Family Care for Children & Youth, Inc. believes that families are the best possible placement and the most normative environment for any child or youth. Children and youth with any level of medical need are best served by specially selected foster care families when they must be cared for outside of their biological family.
We’re proud to be able to provide medically fragile foster care for children who need this service at all of our locations. If you’re in need of this service or would like to learn more, contact our team today.
Outpatient Care
Our Medically Fragile Foster Care Program is designed to meet a child or youth’s physical health needs by arranging services on an outpatient basis rather than an inpatient or institutional basis. Medically Fragile Foster Care includes tasks such as assisting with personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, monitoring and operating medical equipment, and assistance with any medical-related needs.
What Does Medically Fragile Mean?
The children and youth in this program include:
- Children and infants through the age of 21
- Born with or developed moderate to severe medical issues
- May have medical concerns due to neglect or abuse
- Require varying levels of care
The children who are part of this program are able to live in a home setting (as opposed to a hospital) but require more attention and services than the general foster care population.
Specialized Training
Foster families who take in medically fragile children are specially trained to meet the child’s needs, and that training continues until medical professionals determine that the family is capable of caring for the child on their own. All families must be certified in CPR and first aid, and specialized medical training for the diagnosis of the child. Support groups, community health-care resources, and in-home care are all part of ensuring that the child and family are fully supported in this journey.
Additional Supplies
Along with the regular requirements for foster care families, medically fragile children may require additional equipment and supplies including IV poles, feeding pumps, hospital beds, medical supplies, and more. While being a foster parent for a medically fragile child is challenging, children can thrive within a supportive home!
Developing Positive Relationships In Children’s Lives
Our mission at Family Care for Children & Youth is to provide an array of progressive social services to connect children across Pennsylvania with a caring, nurturing family — including children with specialized health needs. If you’re interested in becoming a foster partent, contact us today, and if you’d like to support our work, make a donation!