Foster Parents FAQ
Can I work full-time and still be a foster parent?
There are currently no restrictions concerning the work hours of foster parents. However, some children may require extra care and will be placed with families who are available to provide that extra care. Furthermore, any child care services fees incurred while the foster parent is at work are the financial responsibility of the foster parent. This is unless the day care provider is a state licensed facility or state licensed approved day care.
How many children are placed in the home at one time?
Delaware County Children Services normally does not place more than three foster children in a home at one time. However, special exceptions are made in cases of sibling groups or in emergency situations.
How long are children in foster care?
It depends. Children can be in foster care for as little as one night, or as long as two years. The ultimate goal is to provide the child with a safe, stable home until they can be reunited with their birth parents or a permanent plan is identified.
What kind of behaviors can I expect?
Children who enter foster care probably have been abused and/or neglected. As a result, foster children need a person or family who is willing and able to deal with the behaviors they often develop in response to this abuse or neglect. Children Services provides case management for any child that should need extra help adjusting to their new environment.
Will the child’s family be allowed visitations?
Parental visitations are scheduled and transportation is the responsibility of the foster parent. The goal of Children Services is to reunite families, therefore maintaining the parent-child relationship is important. Foster parents will receive pre-service training education to learn about their part in maintaining the parent-child relationship.
How often does a caseworker visit my home?
A caseworker will visit the home at least once a month, and is available for more visitations should more be necessary.
What services are available to assist foster parents?
Foster parents are provided with monthly financial assistance (which is dependent on the age of the child), clothing allowances, a medical card, counseling for the child, support groups, respite relief, and case management.
Do I need to be married to become a foster parent?
Foster families may be single parents of either sex, same sex parents, married or unmarried, already have children or be childless. As long as you can provide children with a safe and stable environment, Children Services is open to assessing all different types of families.
What do I do once the child is placed?
After a child is placed with you it is your responsibility to provide a stable, safe, and nurturing environment for that child until they are reunited with their family. The goal for the foster family would be to integrate the child into your family’s life, and teach them how to function in a family unit.