Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

Yes! We offer both family-based foster care and adoption services in PA.

Look at our individual service pages for more information.

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.

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.

Each state has different qualifications for a foster parent, but here are the general guidelines for becoming a foster parent in Pennsylvania.

You and/or your partner must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass a background check
• Demonstrate financial stability
• Pass a home inspection
• Show the ability to provide for a child and meet their special needs
• 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!

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.

Yes, you can foster a child if it’s just you.

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.

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, there are online trainings that must be completed.

Start by completing a simple demographics form that you can find here.

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.

In Pennsylvania, foster parents are entitled to daily reimbursement per foster child. The amount of the stipend varies.

There are many foster parent community groups in Pennsylvania, as well as numerous resources available to foster families including in person and virtual support groups. Chat with our team if you want local recommendations for foster family support.

All children will have Medical Assistance, private insurance, or other support in place.