Lutheran Children and Family Service

Foster Care

Lutheran Children and Family Service believes that every child deserves to be raised in a permanent, loving, safe, and nurturing family. Foster Care is a temporary service offered to children who have been abused, neglected, or whose birth families are unable to provide care for them.

The following are requirements to begin the journey as a Foster Care parent:

Be 21 years of age;
Submit to a police and child abuse clearance;
Be in good physical health;
Be able to provide a safe home environment;
Be highly motivated to care for children in need.

Steps Along the Journey

Foster Parent Orientation will give you important information about how children are brought into foster care, LCFS resources for your on-going support, the child welfare system and the role of the foster parent.
The application you fill out will give LCFS all the necessary information about you and your family.
The Home Study Interview takes place when LCFS staff meet with you to learn more about your history, attitudes, interests, and parenting capabilities. Your home and neighborhood will be assessed for safety and location of schools and healthcare facilities will be noted.
Foster Parent Certification is granted to you upon successful completion of the previous steps. Children are matched with you and your family according to age, sex and the level of care you specify.
On-going Support is always provided by an LCFS social worker that will guide you through your journey. Regularly scheduled home visits and 24-hour access for advice, assistance or emergencies is provided by LCFS.

If you're interested in becoming a foster parent and meet the requirements above, please contact Jennifer Coughlin at 215-456-5700, extension 201, or via email at jenniferc@lcfsinpa.org.