What does this measure?

The annual number of children under age 18 placed in the care of the local Department of Social Services, expressed as a rate per 1,000 children under 18. Children admitted to foster care may be cared for in congregate care facilities, foster boarding homes, approved relative homes or a supervised independent living program.

Why is this important?

This is an indicator of families' inability to care for their children in a healthy and/or safe environment.

How is the region performing?

In 2023, 1.5 children per 1,000 in the Mid-Hudson Valley region were admitted to foster care, down from 2.6 in 2010. This 42% decline in the regional rate compares to a 27% decline at the state level (excluding New York City), from 2.1 per 1,000 to 1.5 per 1,000. The region's rate had been consistently higher than the state rate until 2020. Among the counties, Putnam had the lowest rate of children admitted to foster care, at 0.7, while rates were significantly higher for Sullivan (3.8).

Notes about the data

Foster care placement rates may be affected by county efforts to develop and implement alternative options to helping troubled families, such as foster care prevention programs. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the third quarter.