Forestdale is the only foster care and child welfare agency based in and dedicated to the families of Queens, New York. Though the main campus is in Forest Hills, our services extend to neighborhoods throughout central and southern Queens. As a community leader, Forestdale forges partnerships with leading institutions as well as small grassroots groups. We are committed to building strong relationships with foundations, businesses and civic organizations.
Although Forestdale is of and for Queens, we first took root in the borough next door. In 1854, a group of women founded the Brooklyn Home for Children to provide education and hot meals to children living on the streets. The Home evolved into an orphanage and moved to its current location in 1941. In 1980, the agency began to specialize in foster care and adoption services and eight years later changed its name to Forestdale.
Our various programs reflect our commitment to tackle the pressing issues confronting children and families. Education is the primary focus of our Youth Development Program. Through advocacy, tutoring, extracurricular activities and college tours, we encourage youth to pursue higher education. Each year, we are responsible for the safety, health and education of over 500 children and youth in the Family Foster Care program. The Faith-Based Neighborhood Initiative draws on the power of religious communities to strengthen families and care for foster children.
Forestdale administers the Teenage Medical Services Act in northern Queens, providing support to young people who are pregnant, raising children or in danger of early parenthood. Our Preventive Services program provides counseling and advocacy for 75 families to prevent their children being placed in foster care. The Fathering Initiative helps over 200 fathers reclaim a role in their children’s lives. Forestdale leads the Jamaica Community Partnership Initiative, linking families with schools, jobs, health care and housing.
Specialties
foster care, adoption, adolescent health, preventive services, fatherhood and faith-based neighborhood initiatives
