Individuals must meet the following criteria for consideration as a foster care parent. If you meet these requirements and wish to complete an inquiry form, please click here.

Qualifications:

• You must be at least 21 years of age
• You must complete a background check (more information)
• You must have adequate space in your home for an additional child
• You must be able to provide transportation
• You must be free of communicable diseases and able to handle stress
• You must be successful in managing your own family life and finances
• You must possess patience and understanding for the needs of children

Process:

• Initial 6 hours of training and an additional 18 hours of training to be completed within 120 days for everyone who resides in the home who is 18 or older. (more information)
• Complete FBI clearance by registering and scheduling an appointment to get fingerprinted. The cost is $35. (more information)
• Complete online Pennsylvania Criminal Clearance. The cost is $10. (more information)
• Complete Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance. The cost is $10.
• Gather copies of homeowner's or renter's insurance, deed/mortgage payments or lease, drivers license, car insurance and registration as well as copy of last year's W2 and pet vaccinations.
• Preliminary home study of your home where the recruiter will come to your home and inspect for safety requirements and space
• Your doctor must complete a health statement from our agency
• When all paperwork is completed and the home is ready the recruiter will come to your home again to re-inspect and finalize the process

The Center City Office covers the following zip codes:
19128, 19129, 19140, 19134, 19137, 19125, 19133, 19132, 19122, 19121, 19131, 19151, 19139, 19104, 19130, 19123, 19108, 19109, 19107, 19106, 19103, 19102, 19146, 19147, 19145, 19148, 19112, 19116, 19154, 19115, 19114, 19152, 19136, 19135, 19149, 19111, 19124, 19120, 19141, 19126, 19138, 19144, 19119, 19150, 19118, as well as Montgomery County and Bucks County.

The Swarthmore Office covers the following zip codes:
19143, 19142, 19153, 19113, as well as Delaware County and Chester County