Position Description

TEACHING "FOSTER" PARENT

Qualifications:

	Are at least 21 year old
	Have adequate, safe, comfortable space for a child to live in your home
	Are in good physical and emotional health
	Live within one hour of Philadelphia
	Are willing to work with others to meet the child's needs for a permanent home.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long is the approval process for becoming a Teaching Parent?

The approval process normally takes two to four months, and includes several sessions, a home evaluation; reference checks (medical, employment, personal); child abuse clearances, criminal history checks, and a life safety home inspection.

Once a child is placed with me, how long will he/she stay?

Foster care is considered temporary.  A foster child may stay only a few days, several months, or years, depending on the child's family situation.

Is a Teaching Parent able to hold a job?

Yes, Teaching Parents are able to be employed outside the home.

Is a single person able to be a Teaching Parent?

Yes, Teaching Parents can be married or single. The important thing is their willingness and ability to parent.

How are the costs of the child's health care paid?

Foster children are covered by Medicaid, which covers all necessary care and treatment.

What is the Board Rate for?

The board payment is made to assist a foster family in providing food, shelter, transportation, clothing, school supplies and entertainment for a foster child.

How many foster children may I have?

The number of children is determined by the size of your home and how many people are living there.  Many foster homes have only one or two foster children.