Interested in Foster Care?
Commonly asked questions
Foster Care Questions
Who can become a Foster Parent?
Adults aged 21 and older who can provide a safe, stable home and complete required training and clearances may become foster parents. Families of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What does the foster care process involve?
The process includes an application, background clearances, required training, a home study, and ongoing support. Our team guides you through each step from start to finish.
What are the home requirements?
Homes are assessed for basic safety, including working utilities, safe sleeping arrangements, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and secure storage of medications. A walkthrough of the home is completed as part of the certification process.
What background checks are required?
Required clearances include FBI fingerprinting, Pennsylvania criminal history, DHS and child abuse history checks for household members, along with physical exams and income verification.
What training is required?
Training covers topics such as child development, trauma, cultural competence, child welfare regulations, first aid, mandated reporting, and prudent parenting. Training is provided as part of the certification process.
Is there financial support for foster parents?
Yes. Foster parents receive a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of caring for a child. Additional support such as clothing vouchers may also be available.
Who covers medical care for foster children?
Children in foster care are covered by DHS medical insurance, which is widely accepted. Foster parents may switch a child to their own insurance if desired, with guidance from their case manager.
What responsibilities do foster parents have?
Foster parents provide daily care and transportation to school, medical appointments, family visits, and extracurricular activities. Support and guidance are given throughout the placement.
Is it normal to feel nervous or anxious about fostering?
Yes. Feeling nervous or anxious is completely normal. Fostering is a big step, and our team is here to support you through the process.
Why Foster Care Matters
Children enter foster care during moments of crisis, through no fault of their own. Foster care provides a safe, stable, and nurturing environment while families work toward reunification or a permanent plan.
Foster parents, also known as resource parents, play a vital role by offering consistency, care, and support during a child’s most vulnerable time. By opening your home, you help provide stability, reassurance, and hope—making a meaningful difference in a child’s life when it matters most.
Start with a Conversation
When you reach out, our team will connect with you to answer questions, talk through what fostering looks like, and explain the process in a way that feels comfortable. From there, you can decide how and when you’d like to move forward.
Becoming a foster parent starts with a conversation. Whether you’re ready to begin or just exploring the idea, we are here to support you and provide guidance as you take your next step.
Reach Out Now!
If you’re interested in learning more about foster care, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our Resource Coordinators to ask questions and talk through the next steps.