Skip to content

Become a Resource Foster Parent

Because all children – including teens – need stability and love to grow and thrive.
We currently administer all Pennsylvania foster care through our Philadelphia. Click the “Philly Info” button below to learn more.

Statewide, more than 25,000 children and teens need temporary, out-of-home placement each year. Philadelphia County accounts for nearly 8,000. 

Be an Advocate, Supporter and Mentor Parent Offering a Safe Haven Home

For families that become overwhelmed by societal stressors and hardship, abuse, neglect, incarceration, addiction, poor mental health, loss of housing or loss of a loved one, foster care is a temporary safe haven for children and teens. Each year, Pennsylvania’s Resource Foster Parents open their hearts and homes to more than 25,000 children, teens and even teen mothers and their babies, who need temporary out-of-home placement until they are able to safely return to their biological families. And though many resource foster parents desire younger children, we have observed that the mutual reward and long-term benefit of providing care for deserving and talented teens, consistently outweighs any struggle.

Provide Consistency and Support and Watch a Teen or Child’s Life Change For the Better

About 50% of foster children are eventually reunified with parents after safety, well-being or housing concerns are resolved, while some return to relatives for continued care until adulthood. Nationwide, about 25% of children who enter the systems are adopted, though few are older than 6. Many simply age out of care, often not having any adult to turn to during their first defining years of independence. A teen entering care is likely to live in more than 4 homes in the first year, and it is common for those who grow up in the system to move more than 15 times. Compounded with initial placement traumas, with each move, behavioral and emotional trauma is exacerbated. As a resource foster parent, you can be the change that stops this vicious cycle.

Foster Teens Need You

Children of all ages are in need, but being a teen is tough, even in the best of circumstances. For teens in the system, navigating their way from childhood to independence is lonely. Have you already raised a teen? Are you a teacher or a coach? Or do you remember your teen years and how people helped you through difficult times? What worked, and can you be that type of support for a teen today? If you can answer yes to some of these questions, then give us a call to learn more about resource foster parenting.

Pennsylvania Children and Teens in Foster Care
0

It’s is estimated, that right now, the number of Pennsylvania children and teens in foster care is between 13 and 15 thousand! If you’ve read this far, maybe it’s time you learn more to find out if you would make a great resource foster parent.