Did you know that approximately 25,000 children in Pennsylvania are not currently living with their families? This number might seem shocking, but foster care provides you with the opportunity to make a significant difference.
In today’s post, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions we’ve received about foster care in Pennsylvania.
Family Care for Children & Youth proudly provides a number of different foster care services across Pennsylvania. Whether you’re interested in adopting a child into your home or providing a safe place for a child in need by fostering, we would be happy to answer any additional questions you have about our services.
Common Questions About Pennsylvania Foster Care
What Is Foster Care?
At its most basic, foster care provides children without stable living situations the opportunity to thrive in a caring and supportive environment. The primary difference between adoption and foster care is that while the former provides adoptive parents with full parental rights over the child, the latter leaves parental rights in the hands of the birth parents (except in circumstances in which this is not possible).
Why Do Children Enter the Foster Care System?
Many children enter the Pennsylvania foster care system due to abuse and neglect. A household is typically deemed unsafe by an agency that then goes to court to petition for temporary custody. If custody is granted, then the child will be placed into foster care and monitored by a caseworker.
How Long Does a Child Stay in a Foster Home?
Approximately 40% of children remain in foster care for anywhere between one and three years, and many children are able to return to their families. In other cases, children are adopted by their foster families or through the Pennsylvania foster care system, depending on the circumstances through which they entered the system.
Do I Need to Be Married to Become a Foster Parent?
No, you do not need to be married to become a foster parent. While you will need to pass a thorough background check, pass certain financial requirements, and meet a number of other criteria to show that you can provide a child in need with a stable and supportive living situation, having a partner is not required.
Is There Financial Compensation for Fostering a Child?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows a foster family to be compensated for each day they foster a child. However, the amount of money a family receives will depend on the nature of the case and the child’s needs. Family Care for Children & Youth can provide you with more information about foster care stipends.
Learn More About Foster Care in Pennsylvania
We hope that today’s post will help you better understand what foster care is and whether or not it could be the right move for your family.
If you would like to learn more about how Family Care for Children & Youth could help you foster a child in need, we invite you to contact one of our offices or fill out the form below to request more information.
We look forward to speaking with you.
With experienced, compassionate and dedicated professionals, we'll work with you in order to find the best solutions. Whether you know a child in need of emergency services, or you are looking to provide a home for those in need, call us today!
The mission of Family Care for Children & Youth, Inc. is to be the best social service agency committed to providing an excellent standard of care and culturally competent services while communicating compassion, empathy, and hope for the future.
OUR HAPPY FAMILIES SAY IT ALL
Check out our success stories below
"THEY CARE ABOUT THE CHILDREN AND ARE VERY THOROUGH"
My husband and I always tell people that talk to us about wanting to foster or adopt about our agency. We enjoy working with this agency because the staff not only care about the careful placement of a child but also about us as a family. Our agency is available and quick to respond to us whether we have an emergency or just a question. They care about the children and are very thorough to ensure the children and the foster family are getting what they need.
Alice Cedrone
"WE ENJOY GIVING BACK"
Fostering is very positive experience not only for ourselves but also for the child’s well-being. We enjoy giving back. Providing a loving, nurturing home to a child gives the child an opportunity to have a normal childhood as possible.
Millie Flores
"WE WOULD RECOMMEND FCCY"
Picking FCCY to work with has been the best thing my husband and I could have done. We have had only positive experiences with this agency. The case managers are so good and give you total support as a foster parent. We would recommend FCCY to others looking into foster care.
P. Kyler