According to the Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network, there are more than 16,000 Pennsylvania children in foster care every year. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, one of the best ways that you can make a difference in the life of an at-risk child is to become a foster parent. Becoming a foster parent in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania requires contacting the Westmoreland County Children's Bureau and completing the requirements for becoming a foster parent.
Instructions
1. Meet the statutory requirements for becoming a foster parent. Under Pennsylvania law, a person must be at least 21 years old and be a Pennsylvania resident to be eligible to act as a foster parent.
2. Contact the Westmoreland County Children's Bureau. While the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare regulates adoptions statewide, county agencies are responsible for licensing foster parents. The Westmoreland County Children's Bureau may be contacted at (724) 830-3345.
3. Pass an initial medical examination and criminal background check. The Westmoreland County Children's Bureau will require you to pass a medical examination and criminal background check before licensing you as a foster parent. You, as well as any member of your household over the age of 18, will need to pass a physical, which includes a test for tuberculosis. Additionally, any member of your household over the age of 18 must also pass several criminal background checks, including a Pennsylvania background check, a childline registry clearance and a federal criminal background check, which will require the submission of fingerprints. Furthermore, you will need to submit proof of approval from the statewide registry of child abuse from any state you have lived in during the past five years. This needs to state that you have not been reported for any incidents of child abuse.
4. Pass a home examination. Pennsylvania requires you to provide several non-family member references. Additionally, social workers with the Westmoreland County Children's Bureau will assess the viability of your home to care for children, the relationships that you have with other children and your financial ability to provide for children. During your home examination, you will need to exhibit the ability to care for and provide for a foster child, provide an emotionally stable environment, and demonstrate positive ties to the community and the ability to meet the special needs of children.
5. Complete up to 24 hours of foster-parent training, which you will need to do after passing the home examination. Pennsylvania law does not impose a statewide hours requirement for foster parent training. You will need to complete between six and 24 hours of foster-parent training. The amount of training provided by the Westmoreland County Children's Bureau will depend on your experience as a parent. Upon completing training, you will be eligible to receive foster children into your home.
Tags: Westmoreland County, Children Bureau, County Children, County Children Bureau, Westmoreland County Children