Foster parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have, but it can also be one of the most challenging. It comes with a lot of struggles, but also a lot of opportunities to make a positive impact in a child’s life. Family Care Children & Youth (FCCY) is a social service agency that helps train parents to be foster parents in the state of Pennsylvania. Our private, non-profit social service agency helps children of all ages find loving families for their care. Learn some tips on how to become a better foster parent below, and contact us to get started today!
Be Patient
One of the most important traits of a good foster parent is patience. Children in foster care have often been through a lot in their young lives, and it may take them some time to adjust to a new home and family. Be patient with them and try to understand where they’re coming from.
Be Flexible
Foster parenting is not always easy or convenient. You may have to adjust your schedule to accommodate a child’s needs, be available for last-minute visits from caseworkers or birth parents, and be open to change.
Try to Be Prepared
Make sure you are emotionally and financially prepared for foster parenting. It can be expensive, and you may need to make some sacrifices. It’s also important to be prepared for the challenges that come with foster parenting, such as behavior issues and attachment issues.
Offer Support
Foster children need a support system, so it’s important to be there for them. Be supportive of their decisions, even if you don’t agree with them. And be there for them when they need to talk or just need a shoulder to cry on.
Be an Advocate
Advocating for foster children is one of the most important things you can do as a foster parent in Pennsylvania. Speak up for them when they’re not being treated fairly, and fight for their rights.
Be Positive
Children in foster care in Pennsylvania often have a lot of negative experiences, so it’s important to be a positive influence in their lives. Show them that there’s more to life than what they’ve been through, and help them to see the good in people and the world.
Be a Great Role Model
Foster children often look up to their foster parents, so it’s important to be a good role model for them. Show them what it means to be a responsible and caring adult, and help them to develop into responsible and caring adults themselves.
Communicate Effectively
Good communication is key in any relationship, and that includes the relationship between a foster parent and child. Take the time to listen to your foster child and really hear what they’re saying.
Find a Foster Child Support Group
You can learn a lot from those who have “been there, done that.” Try to find a local foster care support group near your Pennsylvania home. You can find helpful advice, listen to others’ experiences, and learn from them about how to be the best foster parent.
PARTNER WITH FAMILY CARE CHILDREN & YOUTH TODAY
Our mission is to help children in the foster care system have a loving and safe home. We offer a variety of services, including kinship care, emergency foster placement, adoption services, medically fragile care, and more. We advocate for those children under our care and find them the best possible foster care homes. We are always looking for wonderful families or single parents who are looking to open their homes to foster children. If you or someone you know is interested in the foster care system, reach out today!
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