Foster Parenting is......

• An opportunity .... to make a difference in a child's life
• Caring for a child.... who has been abused/neglected until his/her parent(s) can resume the responsibility, or a permanent home can be found
• A commitment.... to help children and their families through a difficult period; a foster parent must be able to provide love and guidance and then let go
• Learning and developing....The parenting skills needed to meet the unique needs of each child.

Who Can Be A Foster Parent?

People from all walks of life, with various life experiences...You Can

• Be single, married, divorced or in a partnership
• Have children
• Rent or own your residence
• Have a modest income
• Be a working parent
• Have a disability

Foster Parent Requirements

You Must

• Be at least (21) years of age
• Pass a medical appraisal by a licensed physician
• Pass screening requirements related to child abuse and criminal history clearances

Who are the children that need Foster Care?.....

• Foster children are often siblings, who need to be placed together.
• Babies through teens, who are any race or religion.
• Like other children, some may have medical needs.
• Most have been physically or sexually abused or neglected.

As a result of difficult life experiences, some of the children's behaviors may be challenging and may require ongoing counseling/therapy!

Training

• A foster parent shall participate annually in a minimum of six hours of approved training. Requirements may vary by agency and type of children.
• A foster residence is inspected annually to assure compliance.

Assessment of Foster Parent Capability

• The ability to provide care, nurturing and supervision to children.
• A demonstrated stable mental and emotional adjustment.
• Supportive community ties with family, friends and neighbors.

Foster Family Residence Requirements

Your Residence Must Have:

• At least one flush toilet, one wash basin and one bath or shower with hot/cold running water
• An operable heating system
• An operable telephone

Sleeping areas shall meet the following criteria...

• No unsuitable area such as hall, stairway, unfinished basement or attic, garage, bathroom, eating area, closet, shed or detached building
• Foster children of the opposite sex who are 5 years of age or older may not share the same bedroom
• Each foster child shall be provided with a clean, comfortable mattress and clean linens, blankets and pillow

Other Things to Consider

• Be willing to work with social workers and other community professionals, advocate for the child's needs in school, counseling and medical community
• Have energy and time enough to give foster children the attention they need.
• Have family, friends or other support systems that you can call on for support.
• Be able to ask for help and not be embarrassed.

Safety Requirements......

• Medication and containers of poisonous, caustic, toxic, flammable or other dangerous material shall be distinctly marked or labeled as hazardous and stored in area inaccessible to children under 5.
• Emergency telephone numbers, including fire, police, poison control and ambulance, shall be conspicuously posted by all telephones.
• Fireplaces, inserts, wood and coal burning stoves and free standing heaters shall be installed, equipped and operated according to manufacturer's specifications.
• An operable smoke detector shall be placed on each level of the residence.
• A portable fire extinguisher, suitable for Class B fires, shall be available in the kitchen and other cooking areas. The extinguisher shall be tested yearly.
• Protective safety caps shall be place on electrical outlets accessible to children under the age of 5.
• Exposed electrical wires are prohibited.
• Drinking water from an individual water source shall be potable as determined by an annual microbiological test conducted by a laboratory certified by DER.

What is the Process?

Call a licensed agency to express your interest. Agency listings can be found in the Yellow Pages section of your phonebook under Human Services. You may also contact us: Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association (1-800-951-5151 in PA) for a listing of member agencies.