Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards
First Aid & CPR New York
Becoming a certified or approved foster parent in New York means providing a safe home to a child placed by an authorized agency. Being ready to respond to a medical emergency, through recognized first-aid and CPR training, is part of preparing to care for a child.
The first-aid requirement
In New York, foster parents are certified or approved under 18 NYCRR Part 443, and authorized agencies must provide training that prepares foster parents to meet the needs of children in their care; a current first-aid and CPR certificate is commonly required by the certifying agency before and during a placement. It ensures caregivers can respond to injuries, choking and cardiac arrest.
This is recognized by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the authorized agencies, and the certificate must be kept current. It is one requirement in addition to the home study, background checks and the assessment of parenting suitability.
How to meet it
A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.
Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards
Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.
We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.
Keep your skills current with confidence
Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.
See the recognized first-aid courses in your regionReferences
- 18 NYCRR § 443.3 — Certification or approval of foster family homes
- OCFS — Requirements to Become a Foster Parent
- ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Content is being updated.