Your Path to Making a Difference
Foster care has the power to change lives, starting with yours. When you open your home to a child in need, you offer more than just shelter. You give safety, stability, and the chance to heal.
Every bedtime story, every meal shared, every moment of trust built plants the seeds of hope. The impact you make may begin in a single moment, but its ripple can last a lifetime.
Foster care is not always easy, but it is always meaningful. The love, patience, and compassion you give can help a child believe in family again and in themselves.
Initial Inquiry
Reach out to a foster care agency to learn more and attend an informational meeting or orientation.
Application
Complete a formal application to become a foster parent, including background checks and initial screening.
Home Visit
A home visit allows us to get to know you and your family better while ensuring your home meets the necessary safety standards to provide a loving environment for a child.
Complete Training
Participate in our training program to equip yourself with necessary skills. This will prepare you for your role in supporting your foster child.
Approval & Licensing
After successful training and home study, receive official approval or licensing to foster.
Matching & Placement
We will work with you to find a child whose needs fit your family’s strengths and readiness.
Ongoing Support & Training
Continue receiving support, supervision, and training throughout your time as a foster parent.
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about our foster care services.
If you have a stable home, a caring heart, and a willingness to make a difference, you may have what it takes to be a foster parent. We welcome individuals and families from all walks of life—diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and family structures enrich the foster care community.
Our agency provides the training and support you need every step of the way. What matters most is your commitment to offering a safe, nurturing environment for a child in need.
Basic Requirements to Foster in Pennsylvania:
• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass criminal background and child abuse clearances
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have a home that meets state standards for safety, space, and necessary equipment
• Understand that foster care is temporary and support a child’s return to their family when possible
• Practice a supportive, non-punitive parenting style to help children cope with trauma and emotional needs
Yes! Foster care isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are several ways to make a difference, whether you're ready for a full-time commitment or looking for a way to help on a part-time basis.
Types of foster care include:
Full-Time Foster Care – Providing a stable, supportive home for children who need ongoing care
Emergency Foster Care – Taking in children on short notice for brief periods during urgent situations
Teen & Young Adult Foster Care – Supporting older youth as they prepare for adulthood
Respite Care – Providing short-term or weekend care to give full-time foster families a chance to rest and recharge.
Medically Needy Foster Care – Caring for children with medical conditions or special healthcare needs
Shelter Foster Care – Providing temporary housing for children in crisis or transition
Foster-to-Adopt – Opening your home to a child with the potential for permanent placement
No matter your situation, there’s a way for you to make a meaningful impact in a child’s life.
Yes, we’re with you every step of the way. Foster parents receive ongoing training, both in person and online, to help you stay confident and prepared. You’ll be supported by a dedicated caseworker, regular check-ins, and 24/7 access to our foster parent support staff. We take a team-based approach, and you’re a valued part of that team.
Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to our agency for an initial consultation. We will guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Let's Start the Conversation
Whether you're ready to foster or just have questions, we're here to listen and provide support.