Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Care
What is foster care? Foster care is when a child comes to live in your home with you. You provide care for that child until they can return to their birth parent(s) or until a permanent home is found.
How long would a child stay? The length of time varies with each child’s circumstances, from several days to several years. An average length of placement is two years before permanency occurs.
What does “permanency” mean? “Permanency” means that a child’s case is no longer court active. This can happen through adoption, permanent legal custodianship, return to a birth parent, etc.
Could I become the “permanent home?” If the child placed in your home becomes available for adoption and the placement is positive for both the child and you, you would be the first permanency option to be explored.
What are some things I would do as a foster parent? You would protect and nurture the child, provide them with the basics (food, clothing, shelter, supervision, etc.), encourage them to have positive relationships with others, provide positive discipline, arrange for medical and dental care and work as part of a team to determine the best interest of the child.
Why are children in foster care? Children come into care due to different circumstances. These circumstances may include abuse, neglect, abandonment and/or physical or mental illness of a birth parent.
What are some requirements for my home? Your home must be in a safe neighborhood, have a working telephone, have a flush toilet, tub/shower and hot and cold running water, have smoke detectors on each level of the home, have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and have enough space for a child (the foster child may share a bedroom with another child of the same sex, but each foster child must have their own bed.)
What are some requirements for me? You must be at least 25 years old, be in good mental and physical health, have stable family relation-ships, have the ability to attend initial and ongoing trainings, have the ability to pass a background check performed by Circle C and have a source of income sufficient to meet your current financial needs (a stipend is provided to help offset the cost of caring for the foster child.)
Would I be responsible for the cost of medical care for the foster child? No. The child would have medical and dental coverage through medical assistance, which does not require any co-pays as long as the child goes to a participating provider.
Do I have to be married? No. Single people are welcome to become foster parents. We would, however, need you to choose someone to be your “back-up” in case of an emergency. This person would also need to be able to pass the background check.
Do I need to have a vehicle? No, although you would need to have a plan (e.g. PAT bus, taxi) to get yourself to trainings and to get your foster child to necessary appointments, etc.
What are qualities I need to be a successful foster parent? You must be a good listener, able to do so without judging. You must be flexible enough to make changes that come with the addition of a family member. You must be able to be realistic about your limits and those of the child in your care. You must be able to work as part of a team.
What is the difference between Circle C foster care and foster care with another agency? State and County regulations (“requirements for my home” and “requirements for me”) are the same for all agencies serving children in Allegheny County. Circle C differs from some other agencies in several ways. We are a small program, ensuring that each staff member knows every foster parent and every child. This means that even when your worker is on vacation, someone else who knows you and your child can help you if you need it ☺! Also, Circle C is also open to your preferences for specific genders and age ranges. Foster parents are always needed for sibling groups (more than one child from the same family) and children age 10 and up.
What if I have more questions? Contact Joann Patterson at: 412-937-1605 x238: or email at jpatterson@circlec.net
What if I want to request a no-obligation information/application packet? Contact Joann Patterson at: 412-937-1605 x23 to receive information/application packet. Complete and return it in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope. When Joann receives it, she’ll contact you – it’s that easy to start!