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 Orange County performing?

In 2015, 1.7 children per 1,000 in Orange County were admitted to foster care, down from 2.8 in 2000. The rate in Orange County had steadily dropped from 2000 to 2009, mirroring state (excluding NYC) trends, but then ticked up slightly in recent years. Orange's rate was below Ulster (2.2), and slightly above the state (excluding NYC) (1.6) and Dutchess (1.5) rates in 2015.

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.