Forestdale provides an integrated model of pediatric medical, behavioral health, and dental care for children and youth in foster care. We serve a census of about 500 children and youth annually, ages 0-21, offering innovative and evidence-based care to address and eliminate disparate health outcomes for a population of young people who are in the midst of overcoming the impact of generational trauma in their families and communities.  

We provide a medical home for children and youth in foster care, led by a licensed pediatrician, a cohort of nurses, and a team of care managers to support chronic disease management and coordination of specialty care. Top-notch medical care is enhanced with a robust infrastructure of expert-led behavioral health support for ongoing assessment, intervention – as required – and crisis management. In addition, through our partnership with New York University’s College of Dentistry, Forestdale provides optimal dental care for families.

Strong Minds, Strong Bodies ensures families get primary and preventive care, avoiding unnecessary hospitalization. Our evidence-based mental health models help young people and families form strong family bonds and work to heal trauma. We practice a host of evidence-based interventions that support the advancement and emotional development of children and youth impacted by societal ails and trauma. These interventions include Attachment Bio-Behavioral Catchup, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Systems Therapy. 

Additionally, we operate care management services, which are intended to be a person/family-centered service model, with the care manager advocating for the child’s medical and mental health needs, ensuring full-service integration and care.

New State licensure designation

In 2019, Forestdale received Article 29-I Health Facilities Licensure for Voluntary Foster Care Agencies. This licensure allows Forestdale to provide specific specialized medical services to youth in foster care, including additional mental health services, nursing services, social skill development supports, community-based psychiatry, life coaching, substance abuse counseling, and other services.

In 2022, we received an additional designation expanding our ability to offer behavioral health services to children and youth, ages 0-21, who are public health insurance beneficiaries and not engaged in the foster care system. This allows for behavioral health intervention and support for a child and caregiver with limited access to care in a private setting.  

We remain committed to the movement to level the playing field for children and families and promote a healthy and safe start to life. 

Contacts:

Maria Astudillo, LCSW-R 
Assistant Executive Director for Health 

Suchi Kapoor, LMSW
Director of Health Services

RoseAnne Lowe, LCSW 
Director of Behavioral Health

Office locations