There are a number of qualifications that potential foster parents in Pennsylvania must meet in order to be approved to care for children in the foster care system. Family Care Children & Youth (FCCY) is a local Pennsylvania foster care and adoption agency that has years of experience helping train people to be foster parents and helping with adoption services. Learn more about the qualifications to be a foster parent here in Pennsylvania, and contact us to get started today!
General Qualifications to Be a Foster Parent in Pennsylvania
Some of the qualifications to be a foster parent in Pennsylvania are general, such as being at least 21 years of age and having a clean criminal background check. Others are specific to the type of foster care placement being sought. For example, those interested in becoming a therapeutic foster parent must complete additional training and be able to provide a safe and nurturing home environment for children with special needs. Other foster parent requirements in Pennsylvania include:
- Complete required foster parent training
- Be able to provide adequate housing for the foster child
- Have a stable income
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Be able to meet the specific needs of the foster child
How Does Foster Care Work in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for licensing foster homes in the state. Potential foster parents must complete an application and home study process in order to be approved. The home study includes an assessment of the potential foster parent’s criminal background, child abuse clearances, physical home environment, and financial stability, among other things. Those interested in becoming a foster parent in Pennsylvania can find more information on the DHS website or by contacting our local children and youth agency.
What Is the Training Required to Be a Foster Care Parent?
Training to be a foster care parent is more about preparation for the challenges and about understanding the inner workings of the foster care system. Classroom training typically covers topics such as child development, parenting skills, and the system. Home study typically includes reading materials and activities that help potential foster parents learn more about what it takes to care for a foster child.
Why Choose FCCY In Pennsylvania for Foster Care?
Our primary role as a Pennsylvania nonprofit foster care agency is to equip people with the skills they need to be a foster parent and then place children in these loving, safe homes. We offer you the support you need to offer these children the very best care. Our door is always open to you to answer your foster care system questions. Call today!
PARTNER WITH FAMILY CARE CHILDREN & YOUTH TODAY
Fostering a child will be one of the best things you ever do. When you give a child a home that does not have a home, you are changing a life. There are few other jobs or careers that can boast the same thing. Not only are you changing that child’s life, but you will also be changing yours. Don’t expect to be the same person. You’ll learn and grow almost as much as your child does. You’ll be surprised and amazed at what a difference a foster care parent can make.
If you’re ready to make a difference in a child’s life, contact our FCCY in Pennsylvania today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and get you started on the path to becoming a foster parent. Call today!
