Therapeutic Foster Care
Every child needs a family, and Keystone Human Services’ Therapeutic Foster Care program connects children with families in the community who are willing to open their home and their heart.
Serving children ages birth to eighteen years, Therapeutic Foster Care, sometimes referred to as Host Home Services, supports children to live in a family environment in the community and to receive the support necessary for them to experience a typical childhood. Many children come to our agency from families that are struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Sometimes parents are incarcerated. Many live in poverty or may not have basic parenting skills. Some, due to life circumstances, are just unable to care for their children at this point in their lives.
Because these circumstances can affect a child’s development, Keystone’s foster care and host home program is dedicated to serving children who may have disabilities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), posttraumatic stress (PTSD), and developmental and physical disabilities.
When a child is placed with a foster family, he or she may remain with that family for anywhere from a few days to several years. The child may have regular visits with members of their birth family, and the birth parents retain some rights to authorize certain aspects of their child’s care. Many of the children served in foster care go on to be adopted.
Benefits for the Family
Families who decide to become foster families will receive training and extensive support from Keystone. The government provides nontaxable financial support for room and board. The family will also receive a daily payment for the care they provide the child. Specialized nursing care, respite and child care may also be provided. The child’s medical, dental, mental health services and prescriptions are fully covered through insurance. Most importantly, the family is enriched and strengthened by being the difference in a child’s life and welcoming them into their home and hearts.
Basic Qualifications of Foster Families
All adult family members must complete Keystone’s home study process, meet educational workshop requirements and must pass child abuse, criminal history and FBI clearances. Families should provide references. All families must qualify under ACT 160 rulings regarding bankruptcy, family court matters and protection from abuse orders.
Families should live in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, Perry, Adams and York Counties.
Apply to be a Foster Family
If you would like more information or if you’re interested in opening your home and your heart and being the difference in a child’s life, please complete the online application below.
You can also contact Foster Family Recruiter at Keystone Children & Family Services at 717-541-9620.
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