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 with any level of medical needs are best served by specially trained foster care parents when they must be cared for outside of their biological family. Medical needs can range from disorders that require special diets, to genetic disorders or conditions that resulted from accidents or injury.
We’re proud to be able to provide Medically Fragile foster care services at all of our locations. If you are interested, or want to learn more information on how you can help a child with medical needs, please contact a member of 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. While being a foster parent for a medically fragile child can present challenges, children thrive in a supportive home
What Does Medically Fragile Mean?
Children and Youth in this program include:
- Infants and children up to 21 years of age
- Infants or children with moderate to severe medical needs that require varying levels of medical care
- Infants or children that have medical conditions due to neglect or abuse
Specialized Training
Foster families who care for medically fragile children will receive specialized training on the child’s specific medical needs. Training will be ongoing throughout the child’s placement in their home. All families must be certified in CPR and first aid. Children may also qualify for additional support in the resource home, such as home health aides or nursing.
Additional Supplies
Children in the medically fragile program may require additional medical supplies or equipment. This could include things like feeding pumps, oxygen tanks, orthotics, monitors, or specialized chairs and beds.
Developing Positive Relationships in Children’s Lives:
Our Medically Fragile Foster Care Program is designed to meet a child’s specific medical needs by arranging services on an out-patient basis rather than an inpatient or institutional setting. As with any child placed in our care, our goal is provide children with stability in a safe, warm, caring home with families who can provide all the love and attention they need.