Emergency Reception Homes (ERH)

Creating Safe Places When It Matters Most

Referral Form

Emergency Reception Homes (ERH) offer a safe and welcoming environment for youth and sibling groups ages 0–18 who are entering the foster care system for the first time or experiencing an unexpected placement disruption. These homes serve as a temporary bridge while a nurturing foster home is identified, or the youth’s home situation is stabilized.

Our Services

NYAP licenses, supports, and partners with our network of trauma-responsive foster homes to provide stable, family-like environments for youth with high acuity needs. Our Emergency Reception Homes are available 24/7 and operate on a no-decline basis, ensuring every youth has a safe place to go when they need it most. Within these homes, our highly trained employees deliver vital services, including:

  • Intake and initial assessment  

  • Crisis stabilization services  

  • Trauma-responsive therapeutic support  

  • Discharge planning tailored to each youth’s needs 

  • Services that support reunification or the transition to a kinship or foster home


Length of Stay

  • Youth & Siblings Groups New to Care - 3 to 10 days 

  • Youth Who Have Experienced A Placement Disruption - Up to 3 days 

In certain cases, an extended stay in an ERH may be necessary to support a youth’s clinical, emotional, or placement stability. In these situations, on a case-by-case basis, NYAP collaborates with the placement agency to ensure youth and sibling groups are appropriately cared for until a permanent placement is identified. 

How We’re Different

Our Emergency Reception Home services are designed to strengthen families and promote long-term success for youth by: 

  • Reducing unnecessary placements 

  • Supporting timely and safe family reunification 

  • Stabilizing current foster care placements 

  • Encouraging healthy youth development 

  • Ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of youth and sibling groups 

ERH Qualifications

  • Be a licensed foster parent and pass all required state and NYAP background checks

  • Receive prior approval from your state’s child welfare department

  • Complete all state and NYAP-required preservice and ongoing training

  • Support a shared or co-parenting model and be open to parent and sibling visitation as outlined in the youth’s case plan

  • Agree to the terms and conditions of our ERH program

Become an Emergency Reception Home foster parent and be part of the first line of support for youth and sibling groups who need it most. 

Referral Form