Make a Lasting Impact

Individuals who are interested in becoming foster parents must be at least 21 years old. As you may expect, becoming a foster family involves undergoing a thorough background check. Our agency will conduct criminal background checks and child abuse clearances for everyone in your home who is 18 years old or older. While foster families don't need to be financially well-off, the approval process involves a comprehensive evaluation of your family's overall situation, including financial stability. The physical aspects of your home will also be assessed to ensure sufficient space for a child and compliance with safety standards. In addition to receiving training and support, foster parents are reimbursed for the expenses associated with caring for a foster child. Generally, healthcare costs are covered.

Several other factors are also considered:

Do you have the ability to provide care, nurturing, and supervision for the child?
Can you provide an emotionally stable environment?
Are you willing to help the children in your care remain connected with their family, friends, and their community?
It takes a special kind of person to provide stability to children in crisis when their own home is no longer suitable, at least temporarily. However, this doesn't mean that they no longer require what all kids need: security, nurturing, and guidance. Foster parents step in and provide these essential elements on a temporary basis.
Most children remain in foster care for a short period, and the majority eventually return to their biological families. A foster home can serve as a vital refuge, ensuring the safety of children, helping them cope with their grief and loss, and preparing them for their eventual reunion with their family. Due to these challenges, foster parenting requires special individuals who can promptly and willingly welcome children into their homes, knowing that they will need to lovingly let them go when the time comes.

Although most foster children are eventually reunited with their biological families, in cases where it is not in the child's best interest, the court may decide to terminate the parents' rights and place the child for adoption. In such instances, foster parents should play a significant role in facilitating the child's transition to an adoptive family. Alternatively, the foster parents may consider adopting the child themselves.

If a foster family decides to adopt their foster child, an adoptive family profile or home study will be conducted. Your family will have the opportunity to receive training, guidance, and interviews regarding the lifelong commitment of adoption, which differs from the temporary nature of foster care. Even though you have already been foster parents and undergone previous foster home studies, the same legal requirements will apply to you as they would to any other adoptive parent.

Why Choose Our Agency?

Licensing and Accreditation

Our foster care agency is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and affiliated with reputable organizations such as the PA Council of Children, Youth & Family Services (PCCYS), Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA), National Foster Parent Association (NFPA), and PA Non-profit Organization (PANO). This demonstrates our commitment to meeting and exceeding the required standards.

Supportive Services

We place great importance on the well-being of our foster parents and are committed to providing a wide range of support. Our dedicated staff is readily available to offer guidance, assistance, and access to valuable resources, empowering you to effectively navigate the challenges associated with foster parenting. When needed, we also provide respite care, ensuring you have the necessary breaks and support to provide the best possible care for the children in your home. Additionally, we offer training to equip you with the necessary tools for foster parenting.

Matching Process

At our agency, we understand the importance of a thoughtful matching process. During the home approval process, our experienced staff will conduct interviews and engage in discussions to understand your preferences. This enables us to make well-informed matches that foster a positive and nurturing environment for everyone involved.

Communication

We prioritize clear and regular communication with our foster parents. Our staff visits your home at least once a month to discuss the child's progress and any specific needs. We provide multiple channels of communication, including phone, text, and email, during normal business hours. Additionally, we offer 24-hour on-call services to address any urgent concerns.

Resources

Our agency is committed to providing comprehensive resources and assistance to support foster parents in meeting the needs of the children in their care. We offer access to free furniture, car seats, clothing, and other essential items to help prepare your home for a child. Foster children in Pennsylvania are provided with medical, dental, and vision care, and we ensure that you have the necessary information and support to navigate these services. Furthermore, our foster families have exclusive access to a free training website with a vast collection of articles and courses focused on foster care.

Availability of Placements

With contracts in place with the majority of CYS agencies throughout Western and Central PA, our agency offers a high placement rate and a variety of placement options. This ensures that we can find the right match for you and provide timely placements when you are ready to welcome a child into your home.

Reputation

Our agency's reputation speaks for itself. We encourage you to speak with other foster parents and check online reviews to hear firsthand experiences from those who have worked with us. We are proud to share testimonials and reviews from current and past foster families.

Cultural Competence

We value diversity and promote cultural competence in our work with children and families from different backgrounds. Our About Us page includes a statement affirming our commitment to diversity and non-discrimination.

Flexibility

We understand that foster parents have unique schedules and needs. Our agency is committed to being flexible and accommodating, offering training sessions in your home at your convenience and adapting to your schedule whenever possible.

Transparency

We believe in transparency and are committed to providing clear information about our policies and procedures. During the foster home licensing process, we will provide you with all our foster parent and child policies and follow up with a one-on-one discussion. Our About Us webpage includes our Civil Rights policy, and we are happy to provide additional details upon request.

Respectful Treatment

At our agency, we prioritize treating foster parents with respect and value their input. We understand that your perspective and insights are essential in providing the best possible care for the children entrusted to us. Our testimonials and reviews reflect the respectful and collaborative relationships we foster with our foster parents.

Stability

Our agency has a long-standing history and a proven record of successful placements. We have built a strong foundation over the years, ensuring stability and reliability in our services.

Trauma-Informed Care

We recognize the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma and are committed to providing trauma-informed care. Our foster care licensing training includes a specific focus on trauma and equips foster parents with the knowledge and resources to support children on their healing journey.