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 youths 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 Greater Capital Region performing?

In 2007, 3.3 per 1,000 youths in the Greater Capital Region were admitted to foster care, higher than the state rate of 3.0. The regional rate has declined 19% since 2000 but remains consistently higher than the state’s. Schenectady County had the highest rate in 2007 at 7.1, an 8-year high. This is in sharp contrast to Saratoga County, which had an admission rate of just 1.3 the same year.

Notes about the data

Capacity limitations and changes in policy (for example, an emphasis on cost reduction or keeping families together) may affect placement decisions and be reflected in a lower rate of children entering foster care.