[luvvy175]

My niece is 18 and in foster care. I am trying to get her 8 month old daughter. But was wondering if I myself who is 18 can get foster care of my niece who is 18.

Is this possible?
If this is possible how do I do it?

[Fr_Chuck]

What country is this in, in the US, almost all states end at 18, even if in school, I have taken 18 year olds before since they were kicked out of the system at 18.

Now her daughter you may get custody or, if the niece is willing to sign it over

[ballengerb1]

I agree with Fr_Chuck, I never had a foster child after the age of 18. Once they were of age the system drops them. They could have continued to live with me voluntarily and maybe that is an option for you too.

[liz28]

Actually it depends on what state you are in because in NY a child can remain in foster care until the age of 21 however he/she can leave the system at the age of 18. Many people stay in the system because they can get further assistance that can help them pay for housing, college,etc. However if they leave the system at 18 they can get a discharge grant. Before a person can even leave the system it's a process.

If you want to get your niece you must show that you are capable and can support the child fiancally. You can try to get custody or get kinship through the foster care system. You will have to go through the same process as anyone else looking to become a foster parent and it includes a home visit, background check,etc. You might not have to do the classes since it kinship and you will get money to help support the child. You and your sister need to talk with the caseworker. Good Luck!

[JudyKayTee]

I agree with Fr_Chuck, I never had a foster child after the age of 18. Once they were of age the system drops them. They could have continued to live with me voluntarily and maybe that is an option for you too.

Same in NYS - they age out at 18. If the foster parent wants the child to stay and that is the child's choice, the child can but there is no guarantee benefits/subsidies will continue. It's by application. There are special circumstances - such as physical or mental conditions - under which foster care payments can and do continue. The child does not receive the flat amount given when he/she leaves the foster care system until he/she actually leaves - it is not related to the child's age in any way.

The NY Times had an article referring to children "aging out" at age 18. It specificially refers to problem children who at one time could age out at 16 but now cannot until age 18 and makes reference to all children.

.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...53C1A9649C8B63.

In many States - including NY - you cannot be a foster parent if you are under age 18. http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/fos...quirements.asp

I find this to be the law in every other State I checked.

[liz28]

Same in NYS - they age out at 18. If the foster parent wants the child to stay and that is the child's choice, the child can but there is no guarantee benefits/subsidies will continue. It's by application. There are special circumstances - such as physical or mental conditions - under which foster care payments can and do continue. The child does not receive the flat amount given when he/she leaves the foster care system until he/she actually leaves - it is not related to the child's age in any way.

The NY Times had an article referring to children "aging out" at age 18. It specificially refers to problem children who at one time could age out at 16 but now cannot until age 18 and makes reference to all children.

.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...53C1A9649C8B63.

Actually the article you posting is old and is dated in 2002.

Here are updated facts about foster care in ny. If you find this to be unhelpful you can always hear it from the source directly by calling 311 and request to be connected to ACS department and ask them too.

http://www.youthcomm.org/FCYU-Featur...007-01-08b.htm

http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/a...utoffostercare

Also, since you work in the legal field it shouldn't be hard to cross reference.

[JudyKayTee]

Actually the article you posting is old and is dated in 2002.

Here are updated facts about foster care in ny. If you find this to be unhelpful you can always hear it from the source directly by calling 311 and request to be connected to ACS department and ask them too.

FCYU-Feature Story

Aging Out of Foster Care | The Children's Aid Society

Your quote verifies my statement.

First, the law hasn't changed in that aspect since 2002 - so the age of the site means nothing. Second, the site you posted verifies what I said: "But many choose to leave when they are legally eligible, between the ages 18 and 21." They can age out at 18; whether they stay is up to them.

I don't have to call. My sister is a Social Worker and has posted here in the past. I called her and asked - she returned the call.