Questions and Answers
What do foster parents do?
Foster parents care for children who cannot live with their families for a period of time. In almost every way, they do what every parent does. They help with homework, provide meals, oversee hygiene, provide guidance and nurturance, and help ensure as normal a childhood as possible while they are caring for a child.
Is a foster home the first choice?
If children can't remain with their parents, agencies look to extended family members first. If no resources are found within an extended family, a foster home is the next choice.
Where do the kids come from?
The children come from many places:
- Some come from their homes after it is learned that the kids have been neglected or abused.
- Some come from other foster homes because the homes can no longer care for the children. Reasons include illness, relocation of the foster family, or difficulty managing the child's behavior.
- Some are voluntarily placed by a parent who temporarily cannot care for the child. Reasons include being evicted, going into treatment for substance abuse, etc.
What kinds of kids are they?
Foster children come in all shapes in sizes. Ages run from newborns to 21 years, with the most common age group being 6 to 12 year-olds. They may come in sibling groups. Some have medical, emotional, or behavioral problems. They bring their own personalities, strengths, interests, and gifts.
We work with families during the family assessment process to determine the type of child best suited for the foster family.
What do I need to be a foster parent?
Foster parents need to be over the age of 21 years, have a safe home that can accommodate a child, have no history of harming children, be in good health and free of contagious diseases, able to complete a family assessment process, and genuinely enjoy and care about children.
During the family assessment process, all immediate family members are interviewed, references and background checks are completed, and your home is inspected for safety. Some of the things homes need to have are:
- A separate bed for each child. Children can share a bedroom with other children of the same gender, but they cannot share the same bed
- A working smoke detector on every level of the home/apartment
- A fire extinguisher in the kitchen
- A working phone with emergency numbers on it
- Electrical outlet plugs and car seats for the appropriate ages
How long does it take to become a foster parent?
It generally takes about two to three months to complete everything, including a series of pre-service trainings to prepare you for the work.
Do I have to be married?
Single parents can be approved as a foster parent. Because an example of commitment is so important, we do not approve couples living together who are not married.
Do I have to own a home?
No, renters can be foster parents, as long as there’s sufficient room for a foster child.
Is there reimbursement for the child’s care?
Yes, there is a daily reimbursement rate to assist you in meeting the needs of the child, such as clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, etc. This reimbursement is not considered taxable income.
What about medical and dental needs?
Foster children are covered under a state-funded HMO, which provides for all their basic needs. You would need to be sure that your doctor accepts the child’s insurance.
How many foster children can I have?
You can have up to six children total, including any of your own, provided you have the appropriate space and meet state requirements for this many.
Can I use my neighbor to babysit?
Special steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of foster children, so we require babysitters to go through an approval process. We start talking about caregivers during the family assessment process so they can be ready when you are.
Can I adopt a child by becoming a foster parent?
Yes, foster children have been adopted by their foster parents, but usually only after several years of trying very hard to work with the birth and extended families. If what you truly want is to adopt a child, you will most likely find going through the foster care system to be difficult and potentially heartbreaking.
More often than not, foster children return home to family members. If you really want children in your life and want to help a family that’s going through a hard time,
and would be open to adoption
if that becomes an option, then you should consider foster parenting.
I’m afraid it will be hard for me and my family if the child has to leave.
It may be, but most foster families tell us that it is well worth the experience. Sometimes you can keep in touch, and foster parents feel that fostering is a great lesson for their children in caring about others.
Sounds interesting. What do I do next?
Call
215.376.6200 and register for one of the upcoming orientation classes. We look forward to meeting you!