Syracuse Adoption and Foster Care Resources

Couples and individuals considering adopting or placing a child for adoption in Syracuse often wonder what resources, services and professionals are available to them. Whether you are facing an unplanned pregnancy or are interested in becoming an adoptive or foster parent, this guide provides the information you need about Syracuse adoption agencies, home study providers and more.

Visit our Adoption in New York page for more information about state adoption laws and processes.

Adoption Agencies and Adoption Professionals in Syracuse

Adoption agencies and attorneys are often great resources for local adoption information, both for prospective birth parents and adoptive families. If you are interested in working with an adoption professional near Syracuse, these local professionals can provide adoption information and services in your area:

• New Hope Family Services
• Elisabeth A. Barker, Attorney at Law
• Raymond J. Dague, PLLC

Become a Foster Parent in Syracuse

If you are interested in opening your home to a child in foster care, either as a foster or adoptive parent, these local agencies and resources can provide the information you need about foster care in Syracuse:

• Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services
• Hillside Family of Agencies
• Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth

Keep in mind that different agencies may have different training and requirements for the parents they work with. In addition, all foster parents in New York must complete the home study process.
More information about foster care programs, laws and agencies in Syracuse and throughout New York available on our state adoption page.

Syracuse Home Study Services

Anyone seeking to adopt or become a foster parent in Syracuse must complete a home study that satisfies all New York requirements. Information about the New York home study process, qualifications and post-placement study is available here.
In addition, the following professionals are legally qualified to perform home studies in New York and can provide more information about what to expect during the home study:

• Dr. Judith S. Lee, LCSW
  212-957-3938
  Dr. Judith S. Lee, LCSW provides home studies, home study updates and post-placement supervision reports for New York State residents.
• Adoptions from the Heart
  1-800-355-5500
  Adoptions From the Heart (AFTH) provides home study services for all types of adoption.

Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about New York home study providers.

Hospitals in Syracuse

When the time comes to finally meet the new baby, a hospital plan will be in place to determine who is in the delivery room when the baby is born, how much time the birth and adoptive parents will spend with the new baby, and more.
If you are a prospective birth mother in Syracuse, your adoption agency should be able to work with you and your delivery hospital to develop your hospital plan. Here are some area hospitals that you may be working with:

• Crouse Hospital
  736 Irving Avenue
  Syracuse, NY 13210
  315-470-7111
• St. Joseph’s Hospital
  301 Prospect Avenue
  Syracuse, NY 13203
  315-448-5399
• Upstate University Hospital
  4900 Broad Road
  Syracuse, NY 13215
  315-492-5573

Adoption Laws and Qualifications in Syracuse

To ensure the adoption is completed legally and everyone’s rights are protected throughout the process, it may be helpful for prospective birth parents and adoptive parents to understand certain New York adoption laws. Find more information about state adoption regulations below and on our New York adoption page.
Laws for Birth Parents:
When and how can I legally consent to the adoption? What rights does the birth father have in New York adoptions? These are common questions for expectant mothers and birth fathers considering adoption in Syracuse. Find information about consent, relinquishment, state paternity laws and more here.
Laws for Adoptive Parents:
Many prospective adoptive parents have questions about the laws, rules and qualifications for adopting a baby in Syracuse. New York statutes regulate many areas of adoption, including qualifications for adoptive parents, expenses that can be paid by adoptive families, the use of advertising and facilitators and more.
County Courts
While adoption is a lifelong journey, the legal process ends with the finalization of the adoption. Adoptive families will work with an adoption attorney to complete all the necessary legal services throughout the adoption process, including the finalization hearing. Find information about finalization proceedings for Onondaga County.

Things to do in Syracuse

If your adoption plans bring you to Syracuse, either to meet with prospective birth parents or to bring your new baby home, be sure to take advantage of these area attractions during your visit:

• Rosamond Gifford Zoo
• Destiny USA
• Erie Canal Museum
• Museum of Science & Technology
• City Market