The state Legislature must stop pouring money into a system that treats children so badly. Shereen A. White and Rashida Abuwala March 27, 2023 When most New Yorkers think of the foster system, congregate settings probably do not come to mind. These modern-day orphanages house nearly 40 thousand foster children, teens and young adults across the country. What many may not realize is that nearly all of these youth have families who have been fighting to get their kids back.