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famly picture

Being a foster parent brings great joy and deep
fulfillment, but it is not always easy. Foster parents
accept many challenges when they volunteer to love
and nurture children in crisis. Foster parents are very
special people, and we are always seeking qualified
foster families.

If you are thinking of becoming a foster parent, we
urge you to call Professional Family Care Services
or send us an e-mail. We'll talk with you, answer your
questions, and, then if you wish, we'll help you start
the application process.

Professional Family Care carefully screens foster
parent applicants and provides special foster parent training before placing children. We take great care
in matching children with an appropriate foster
family, and we provide ongoing support to families
throughout the entire time foster children are
in their care.

We are deeply committed to both our children and
our foster families. We do all we can to make the fostering experience healthy and rewarding.

 
three boys

We coordinate foster care for children of all ages,
from infants and toddlers to adolescents and teens.
Every child is different, and there are often special considerations in fostering: brothers or sisters who
want to stay together, youngsters who face
developmental delays, physical handicaps or
emotional, behavioral or learning problems,
even teens who may be pregnant.

For most children, foster care is a step on the way
to permanency. The main goal is most always to
reunite children with their biological families.
Sometimes that is not possible.

Foster children may remain with their foster family for
a period of weeks or years. Foster parents sometimes
adopt the children they foster. (We can help with that process.) Some children, most often older children or
teens, never do return to their biological families, but
instead simply grow up and transition to independent
adult life. Whatever the outcome, foster parents fill a tremendous need and make a positive differrence in
the life of another human being. Foster parenting is
both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

 
mother with girl and boy

To be a foster family you must:

  • Like children and respect their individuality.
  • Have a stable lifestyle in a solid family framework.
  • Have enough time to devote to child care everyday.
  • Be good listeners with a sense of humor.
  • Be creative, thoughtful problem solvers, open to innovative solutions.
  • Be willing to work as part of a team, accepting
    support and training from Professional Family Care.
  • Have a safe home environment.
  • Have reliable transportation.
 
Economic Considerations for Foster Families:
  • Families are reimbursed at a daily rate for care
    expenses and for related travel.
  • Monthly clothing allowances are provided.
  • Medical and Dental Care is paid for foster children.
  • Families are reimbursed for birthday and Christmas
    gifts for foster children.
  • There is a recreational allowance for foster children.
family of 3

Emotional Rewards of Being a Foster Parent:

  • You can make a positive difference in a child's life.
  • You can fulfill your desire to become a parent.
  • You can watch a child reach a fuller potential
    because of your love and support.
  • You can share your family's blessings.
  • You can fill your home with the joy and
    laughter of children.
  • You can forge lifelong connections,
    especially with older children.
 

Social Benefits of Being a Foster Parent:

  • You can help children grow and contribute to society.
  • You can teach your children and family the joy of
    helping each other.
  • You help stop a cycle of abuse and neglect.
  • You can promote family values in your community.
  • You can mentor birth parents to become better
    parents.
  • You can help youth learn positive behaviors to keep your community safe.
Requirements

PFCS adheres to all rules and regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Some of our expectations exceed the minimum requirements in order to ensure that each child in our program is placed into the most stable, loving home. It's our goal to provide families with strategies to ensure their success and expand their capabilities as a foster family. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 25 years of age.
  • Couples must be married for at least one year; newly married couples will not be accepted.
    We do consider single parents. All potential foster parents must demonstrate a stable, secure lifestyle.
  • Clean criminal background checks including but not limited to Local & State Police Clearances, Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Clearance.
  • Personal, professional, and county references will be checked.
  • Must complete of 21 hours of training prior to approval.
  • Must pass physical health exam.
  • Must provide proof of financial stability.
  • Must authorize the release of any additional information requested, including previous agency affiliation.
Application Process - The Foster Parent Application and Approval Process takes approximately two to three months.
The timeline is generally as follows:
  • An initial inquiry meeting is held at your convenience.
  • You then complete a written application and submit it to Professional Family Care Services.
    This includes your authorization to release any personal information requested.
  • Our staff carefully reviews and verifies all paperwork including your clearances, references,
    and proof of financial stability. (This may include details about any previous bankruptcies.)
  • Based on the information provided and the return of all clearances, your application
    is accepted and you begin the second phase of the approval process.
  • You complete 21 Hours of training with our staff.
  • A Home Study/ Safety Assessment is made of your home.
  • Finally, the Professional Family Care Services Approval Committee meets and accepts
    (or rejects) you into the Foster Care Program.
  • If approved, you are then matched with a potential foster child (or children).
  • You are briefed about each suggested child (or children), and you have the choice
    of accepting the child into your home or waiting for another.
Required Documents
A checklist of documents you are required to submit includes:
  • Birth Certificates.
  • Marriage Certificates & Divorce Decree (if applicable).
  • Verification of Income: copies of W2 or Tax Return.
  • Drivers Licenses.
  • Vehicle Registration & Verification of Car Insurance.
  • Verification of Homeowners or Renters Insurance.
  • Decree of Satisfaction for Bankruptcy (if applicable).