PENNSYLVANIA FOSTER CARE FAQS
While the process of becoming a foster family in Pennsylvania requires forethought and planning, it’s worth every bit of effort. After all, 25,000 children in Pennsylvania are living without their families and are in need of supportive, structured homes.
Our foster care agency in Pennsylvania, Family Care for Children and Youth (FCCY), developed this FAQ page to answer the most frequently asked questions we get about foster care, adoption, and how to become a foster parent in PA.
We hope that our resources assist you as you consider becoming a foster family in Pennsylvania. You should also consult our blog page, as we’ve covered many of these topics in more detail.
If you have any additional questions or want to help a child in need in Pennsylvania, give us a call today!
FOSTER CARE VS. ADOPTION
HOW IS FOSTER CARE DIFFERENT FROM ADOPTION?
In cases of both foster care and adoption, a child in need is placed in a supportive home. The difference hinges on parental rights.
For foster care, parental rights for major decisions still belong to birth parents (unless a specific circumstance makes this impossible) or the agency that oversees the child. With adoption, however, adoptive parents gain full legal rights and can make all decisions regarding the child.
In both cases, the goal is to support the child and to have them in the healthiest situation possible.
DO YOU ALSO OFFER ADOPTION SERVICES?
Yes! We offer both family-based foster care and adoption services in PA.
Look at our individual service pages for more information.
HOW LONG DO FOSTER CHILDREN USUALLY STAY IN A HOME?
It depends on the situation. When possible, the goal of foster care is always to support a child while their birth parents are unable to do so. This means that foster care is, by nature, a temporary arrangement. In some cases, foster children are adopted by foster parents, but this is not necessarily the end goal of a foster situation.
HOW DO I KNOW IF FOSTERING VS. ADOPTION IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Usually, understanding the differences in parental rights and permanency is enough to make a decision about foster care vs. adoption. If you and your household want to start a family of your own, it is best to adopt a child in need. When you want to support your community and offer a safe space to a child in need, a foster situation would be best.
If you have questions about your specific situation, be sure to give our foster care agency in PA a call today.
HOW TO BECOME A FOSTER FAMILY
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR BECOMING A FOSTER FAMILY IN PA?
Each state has different qualifications for a foster parent, but here are the general guidelines for becoming a foster family in Pennsylvania.
You and/or your partner must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Pass an extensive background check
- Demonstrate financial stability
- Pass a home inspection
- Show the ability to provide for a child and meet any specific needs a child has
- Show emotional and physical health
These are general guidelines; for a more specific protocol, contact our team at FCCY today and we’d be happy to answer any questions!
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN I CAN FOSTER OR HAVE IN MY HOME?
Pennsylvania law limits the number of children under 18 in a foster home to six — this includes all children residing in the house — birth and adopted or foster children.
CAN I BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IF I’M SINGLE?
Yes, you can foster a child if it’s just you.
DO I NEED TO WORK WITH A FOSTER CARE AGENCY?
Yes. You will work with FCCY in PA to connect you with a child in need, complete the mandatory screening, and receive support throughout the process.
ARE THERE ANY MANDATORY TRAININGS?
To become a foster parent you will need training and there will be monthly training thereafter. Before you become an official foster parent or family in Pennsylvania, you must take a few steps through the University of Pittsburgh, School Of Social Work.
Start by completing a simple demographics form that you can find here: http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/ResourceDemo.htm.
Once you have completed this demographic survey, you can begin the required training through the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center.
These trainings are meant to provide you with resources, strategies, and child welfare competencies to ensure that you are fully prepared to become a foster parent. If you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to contact us at FCCY.
LIFE AS A FOSTER FAMILY
WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR BEING A FOSTER FAMILY?
In Pennsylvania, foster families are entitled to daily reimbursement per foster child. The amount of the stipend varies.
ARE THERE FOSTER FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS OR ORGANIZATIONS IN MY COMMUNITY?
There are many foster family community groups in Pennsylvania. Chat with our team if you want local recommendations for foster family support.
AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH EXPENSES?
All children will have Medical Assistance, private insurance, or other support in place.
ABOUT OUR FOSTER CARE AGENCY IN PA
FCCY offers community-based foster care and adoption services in Pennsylvania. As a non-profit, social service agency, we are committed to connecting children in need to nurturing and supportive families.
If you are ready and able to help a child in need, please contact our foster care agency in PA 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 in Pennsylvania 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