PENNSYLVANIA KINSHIP CARE HOME STUDIES
At Family Care for Children & Youth (FCCY), we are passionate about helping young Pennsylvanians find happy, permanent homes. One solution we believe in is the positive environment created by kinship care. Kinship care is the full-time care, nurturing, and protection of children by relatives or close family friends. In Pennsylvania, kinship care is often provided by grandparents or other relatives. Kinship care has been shown to be beneficial for children, as it provides stability and a sense of belonging.
To help both the county and the kinship caregivers, we are happy to perform a thorough Kinship Care Home Study. Positive results mean a pre-qualification for the caregiver. Our home studies also create a more streamlined process for the county and ensure that everyone is doing what’s best for the child.
If a county agency is in need of a Kinship Care Home Study, FCCY can provide any number of the following services:
- Upon receiving a county referral, FCCY will arrange for an initial home study within five days of referral.
- FCCY will complete a thorough Kinship Care Home Study with a Kinship Caregiver. The home study will contain a thorough assessment of the social and emotional qualities of the Kinship Caregiver as they relate to the caregiver’s ability to care for children.
- FCCY will thoroughly review the Department of Public Welfare’s foster care regulations with the Kinship Caregiver. At this time, FCCY may also review additional materials specific to the Kinship Caregiver’s location.
- FCCY will work with the Kinship Caregiver to obtain all necessary health statements prior to full Kinship Care approval.
- FCCY will work with the Kinship Caregiver to obtain a minimum of three references prior to Kinship Care approval.
- FCCY will assist the Kinship Caregiver in obtaining Act 33 and Act 34 Clearances as well as FBI clearances required for full Kinship Care approval.
- FCCY will follow up with necessary mental health providers if there are any concerns regarding the emotional stability of the Kinship Caregiver.
- FCCY will provide the Kinship Caregiver with first-aid training (no first-aid certification).
- When the study is finished, the completed file will be turned over to a county agency for final approval.
We understand that this can be an overwhelming process, but we are here for you. Contact us today with all of your questions about kinship care and foster care in PA.
Family-Based Foster Care Services
At Family Care for Children & Youth, we understand that childhood and adolescence can be difficult for children who do not have a stable home environment. Many children in the foster system feel isolated, alienated, and without a place in society. Our family-based foster care provides a supportive and nurturing alternative to group homes, and Family Care for Children & Youth has a wide range of resources for children, foster families, and biological families. Contact an FCCY office near you to learn more.
Schedule An Appointment For Family-Based Foster Care Services
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 our foster care team 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.
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