Abbott House encourages more people to become foster parents, citing rising need

Members of Abbott House say the need for foster parents is high, especially for teenagers and sibling groups.

Valerie Ryan and News 12 Staff

Nov 4, 2023, 5:29 PM

Updated 361 days ago

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Faculty at Abbott House, a nonprofit organization working in foster care, say there is a need across the country and in New York City.
Members of Abbott House say the need for foster parents is high, especially for teenagers and sibling groups. They tell us they don't want to sugarcoat how difficult it can be to foster, but rather educate parents of free resources available – including workshops on how to support a foster child's needs.
Zoraida Gonzalez Machado, the family development director at Abbott House, says what makes a good foster parent is someone who's not willing to give up. 
Abbott House holds weekly informational sessions for parties who are interested every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.  at 1775 Grand Concourse. 
Citizens' Committee for Children of NY reported that the Bronx had the highest rate of foster care population in all the five boroughs in 2020.