Forestdale Foster Care & Adoption

Forestdale’s Foster Care & Adoption services provide safe and nurturing homes to help more than 700 youth ages 0-21 achieve their personal, academic and professional goals. The Forestdale Scholars program provides academic support for youth in grades K-12, with an emphasis on college preparation for middle and high school students. After-school activities include personalized tutoring and mentoring services, healthy cooking classes and Culture for One, a program that exposes youth to artistic and cultural institutions in New York City. Our Life Skills curriculum focuses on job readiness and financial literacy programs that prepare our older youth for a successful transition out of care. One-on-one counseling gives each individual the opportunity to discuss their long-term goals and the steps they can take to lead independent, productive and happy lives. In 2013, 71% of high school seniors graduated (vs. 50% of foster youth nationally), and 58% of high school graduates enrolled in college (vs. 15% of foster youth nationally). 32 Forestdale youth are currently enrolled as full-time college students.