Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions about becoming a foster parent.
What is Foster Care?
Foster care provides a safe, temporary home for children and teens who cannot live with their families due to abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions. The goal is to help families work through their challenges so children can return home safely. If that’s not possible, the child may be adopted, placed with a relative, or live independently as they grow older.
What is Therapeutic Foster Care?
Therapeutic foster care is for children who have experienced serious trauma, abuse, neglect, or have medical or emotional needs. These children may have behaviors or health issues that need extra support and care. SCYAP trains and supports foster parents so they feel confident in caring for children with more complex needs.
How Does Foster Care Work?
Foster care works by giving children a stable place to live while their families work on making their home safe again. Foster parents provide love, structure, and daily care. At the same time, child welfare workers make a plan for the child’s future—this might mean reunification with family, adoption, or another permanent solution.
What About the Child’s Family?
In most cases, the main goal is for the child to return to their family. Foster parents can help support this connection by:
- Helping with scheduled visits
- Encouraging phone calls or video chats
- Sharing letters, pictures, or updates
SCYAP makes sure all contact is safe and appropriate for everyone involved.
Who Qualifies for Foster Care?
Children may enter foster care if a judge or social worker decides it’s not safe for them to stay at home. This includes:
- Babies, children, and teens up to age 21
- Brothers and sisters who need to stay together
- Children with medical, emotional, or behavioral needs
- Children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned
Foster care is temporary until a child can return home or find a permanent family through adoption or guardianship.
Can I Adopt a Foster Child?
Sometimes, foster parents are able to adopt the children in their care. However, adoption is not guaranteed. It depends on the child’s permanency plan, which is decided by the Family Court. Foster parents play a key role by giving children a safe and loving home, whether short-term or long-term.
Will I Receive Training and Support?
Yes. Before a child is placed in your home, SCYAP will provide thorough training. After placement, you’ll receive ongoing support, including:
- A dedicated SCYAP caseworker
- Regular home visits and phone support
- 24/7 on-call help every day of the year
We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Am I Financially Responsible for the Child’s Care?
Foster parents receive a tax-free monthly reimbursement to help with the cost of caring for a child. The amount depends on the child’s needs and the number of days they stay in your home. Payments are made twice a month through direct deposit.
It’s normal to have a list of questions about foster parenting, like “How does the whole process work? When will classes be offered and will I have to take off work? What if I don’t own my home?” We want you to ask questions so you are fully informed and comfortable in making the important and generous choice to become a foster parent. You can call us anytime to learn more about the challenges and rewards of being a foster parent and how you can change a lifetime for a child in need!
Still Have Questions?
It’s normal to wonder about things like:
- How the process works
- When classes are held
- If you need to own your home
- Whether you’ll need to take time off work
We’re here to answer all of your questions and help you feel confident in your decision to become a foster parent. Call us anytime to learn more about how you can make a difference in a child’s life.
Which Regional Office Will Serve My Home?
Your home will be served by the SCYAP regional office closest to your location. Contact us, and we’ll connect you with your local team.
Didn’t find the answer to your question?
Please contact us for assistance or to answer any question you have. We look forward to hearing from you.