Pittsburgh foster parents often get a stipend to pay for the foster child's needs.
Adults in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who are willing to become foster parents are always needed to provide safe homes for children needing a place to stay. Foster parents in Pittsburgh are able to select from several foster-care agencies to help them through the approval process, as the state allows both public and private agencies to work with prospective foster parents. While each agency has its own requirements, certain state requirements must be met by all potential foster parents.
Instructions
1. Meet all of the state's requirements. While Pennsylvania allows local agencies to oversee new foster parents in Pittsburgh, the state has basic requirements that all potential parents must meet, including being at least 21 years old, being able to pass criminal history and child abuse background checks and being in good physical health.
2. Research and choose a foster-care agency. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh is located, offers many different options for parents to choose from. Each agency offers its own foster-care program and sets its own requirements for foster parents. Talk to community members who foster about their experiences with their agency and look into each agency to determine which one matches your family's specific needs. The Allegheny County website provides a list of the area's foster-care agencies on its Department of Human Services web page.
3. Contact your agency for information. After you have selected your foster-care agency, contact the agency to learn more about its parent requirements and ask any questions that you have about the foster-care system. The agency should provide you with information on the first steps that must be taken to enroll in its foster-care program.
4. Complete all state and agency foster-parent trainings and requirements. All foster-care agencies in the state must ensure that the prospective parents are able to meet the needs of the children who will be placed in their care, show mental and emotional stability and have supportive relationship with friends, family and the community. In addition, Pennsylvania law requires foster parents to undergo at least six hours of training annually. Talk to your agency about any additional requirements it has and what is required of you to meet the state and agency requirements. Once you have met all of the requirements and a child is found for your home, you are able to begin caring for foster children.
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