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Foster Care

Support and guidance from people who understand

If you are currently living in foster care or if you have been involved with the foster care system, you will find that The Door has a lot to offer. Perhaps all you want is a safe space to meet other young people, learn new things and have fun. Maybe you need to talk to a lawyer to ensure that you have all of your entitlements or a counselor to help you find housing. Or perhaps you need to meet with a college advisor to obtain your education training voucher (ETV), see a doctor or a counselor, or meet with someone who can help you finish your education and get a job. You can do all of these things and more at The Door

One point person to guide your way

There is a lot going on at The Door, and our programs are always changing to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible help. If you are in foster care, you will have the opportunity to work with a point person — a member of our Youth in Care Advisory Team — who can help guide you through the many different services and programs we offer, including:

This point person will help you set personal goals and work towards accomplishing them. He or she will check in with you regularly to see how you are progressing and to provide the support you may need to reach your goals.

To learn more about how you can be connected with a point person, contact Dori Kavanagh at 212-941-9090, ext. 3371.

Providing the information you need

If you are in foster care or have been involved with the foster care system, and you have the goal of living on your own one day, there are certain benefits available to you. New York State and City provide you with specific entitlements, including support to help when you are ready to move out on your own. Our Youth in Care Advisory team is here to teach you about these entitlements, and answer any questions you may have as you prepare to live on your own.

To learn more about the entitlements available to you, contact Helen Pundurs at 212-941-9090, ext. 3288.

Support from peers to help you "Know Your Rights"

As a young person in foster care, it is very important for you to understand your rights and to be aware of all of the services available to you. Door staff and other young people are here to help you understand your rights and gain the life and job skills you need to succeed. The Door’s Foster Youth Peer Educators (FYPE) are a group of young people who have been or are currently in foster care. They regularly lead Know Your Rights trainings to Door members and at New York City foster care agencies and group homes. FYPE is operated out of The Door’s Legal Services Center.

To learn more about FYPE, contact Travis Johnson at 212-941-9090, ext. 3215.