MAYVILLE — The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services is seeking compassionate individuals and families to become foster parents and help provide safe, supportive homes for children in our community.

Through the Department’s Home Finding team, prospective foster parents receive guidance and support as they explore opening their hearts and homes to children who may not have their basic needs met or a safe place to call home. Foster parents play a critical role by providing temporary, stable, and nurturing care for children who are placed in foster care and remain in the custody of the Department.

Currently, Chautauqua County has approximately 45 traditional (non-kinship) foster homes. Many of these homes are full, and the need continues to grow as nearly 100 children are presently in the County’s care. Children in foster care range from infancy through age 18 and may have medical, physical, or emotional needs. They come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds and may be placed individually or as part of a sibling group.

To help community members learn more about becoming a foster parent, the Department will host an informational session on Thursday, January 15, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the South County Office Building, 110 East Fourth Street, Jamestown (please use the front employee entrance on East Fourth Street and proceed up the stairs). A virtual option will also be available.

To receive the virtual meeting link or for more information, please contact Audra Moeller at moellera@chqgov.com or 716-581-2080.

Following the informational session, the next round of pre-service foster parent classes will begin on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be offered both in person in Jamestown and virtually, and will continue through April 23, 2026 (no class will be held on April 9 during Spring Break).

Those unable to attend the informational session but interested in learning more about foster care in Chautauqua County are encouraged to visit www.fosterlovechq.com or contact Audra Moeller using the information above.