Can the children help with chores?

Chores that are part of teaching structure and routine, such as making the bed, cleaning the play area, etc. are appropriate. Foster children are not placed to staff family businesses or to be used as laborers.

If I have a criminal record, will this prevent me from fostering?

Criminal background checks are required. The impact depends on the nature and timing of the offense.

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN PA

FOSTER THE FUTURE OF A CHILD

Make a lasting difference in a child’s life, and become a foster parent. With over 15,000 children in Pennsylvania’s foster care system, your home could be the safe, loving place a child needs. Open your heart. Open your nest. Start the journey today.

GET STARTED TODAY

A family of four gathers in a bright, modern white kitchen, sharing a warm morning moment around a kitchen island. A Black adult male in a peach shirt leans in beside a young Black boy, both smiling. Across from them, a darker-skinned adult woman and a little girl with matching features lean in close, likely enjoying breakfast together. The scene radiates togetherness, comfort, and the simple joy of family connection.

25+

COUNTIES SERVED

2500+

CHILDREN SERVED

15K+

KIDS IN FOSTER CARE IN PA

400K+

KIDS IN FOSTER CARE IN THE US

OUR SERVICES

Lifespan Family Services provides a full continuum of support, including foster care, adoption services, and post-permanency resources — walking alongside families every step of the way.
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"A young girl with black hair and an older woman share a joyful smile as they face each other in a sunlit grassy field. The moment captures warmth, connection, and the bond between generations in a peaceful outdoor setting.

OUR MISSION

Building families through empathy, hope, and respect is what we strive for at Lifespan Family Services. Our offices are located to support counties across Central & Western PA. Our staff is committed to caring for children facing special circumstances and providing them with good homes and services. We equip their foster families with valuable resources that help the child thrive. Our goal is to leave a lifelong impact on a child who needs a caring family, and we encourage and respect all foster families.

GROW YOUR FAMILY

"In a lush green field at sunset, a woman holds a small child, approximately 2 to 4 years old. The little girl, dressed in a pink jacket and white beanie, points upward toward the glowing sky. With their backs to the camera, their faces are unseen, but the moment feels intimate and full of wonder. The setting sun casts warm golden rays over the woman's right shoulder, bathing the scene in soft, natural light.

What Our Families Are Saying

At Lifespan Family Services, we’ve had the honor of walking alongside incredible families as they’ve opened their hearts and homes to children in need. Here is what some of our foster families, and adoptive families have said about their journey with Lifespan.

“Foster Care is challenging, and emotional. But it's SO incredibly worth it. Every day. There are so many children in foster care. Sweet kids that just need someone to help them and give them a place to call home, even for a short time. If you've ever considered or are currently considering foster care, reach out and get some information. This agency has made the process so easy and they have been here to support us every step of the way.”

"Lauren and Tom, a joyful couple, stand close together in front of a tan-wood porch, smiling brightly for a photo. Lauren, on the left, has dirty blonde curls, bright eyes, and wears an orange and white floral top. Beside her, Tom sports a white bandana, a greying beard, and a blue button-up shirt. They lean into each other, radiating warmth, love, and the comfort of home.

Lauren & Tom

Foster Parents

“Our favorite part of fostering has been watching our foster daughter thrive in a safe and loving home. We get to stand in the gap for a child in need, which is priceless.”

"One of our beautiful Lifespan Families, Rachel and Michael, sit with their two children on a fallen tree in a quiet, leaf-covered forest. The brown-toned color palette blends seamlessly with the autumn setting. On the left, Michael wears khaki pants and a white button-down shirt, with their young son leaning against his knee—mostly hidden, adding a candid touch. To the right, Rachel, with dark hair, holds their daughter on her lap. Both girls wear matching light blue jeans and soft tan tones, echoing the family’s coordinated, natural look. It’s a serene, aesthetic fall moment filled with warmth and togetherness.

Rachel & Michael

Foster Family

“Thanks to the staff's expertise and dedication, we navigated the process smoothly and confidently. Their knowledge, combined with their compassion, made all the difference."

The Gottshalk Family

Washington County

“LifeSpan was the first agency we reached out to when we were inquiring about fostering. Everyone was and continues to be helpful, understanding, and knowledgeable. We trust them completely.”

Jeff & Rhonda

Lifespan Family

“As former adoptive parents and current foster parents, Lifespan helped our dreams come true! We always wanted a family but were unable to do so on our own. We have fostered and helped families reunify, and we have also gotten the biggest blessing of our life when we got to adopt our first son. We still continue to give children a safe place to call home and can’t wait to expand our family once more."

The Overly Family

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

“Have patience. Sometimes it will take awhile to happen, then when you lease expect it, you will get the call. The first month can be easy and the honeymoon stage or it can be hard as the child adjusts. Just have patience. These kids are worth it.”

A family of four stands together in a green field, dressed in cozy, cottage-farm style outfits. The little boy, nearly as tall as his mom, stands confidently with one hand on his hip and the other relaxed by his side. He wears khaki pants and a brown top. Behind him, Mom smiles brightly, sporting dirty blonde curly hair, black glasses, tall black farm boots, blue jeans, and a burgundy top layered over grey. She holds their blonde toddler, who wears a vest, blue jeans, and an orange top, with bleach blonde hair catching the light. Dad stands nearby, smiling with a goatee, dressed in a classic red-and-white checkered farmer shirt and light blue jeans. Trees and a blue sky frame the peaceful rural scene.

Maria & Russel

Lifespan Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about becoming a foster parent, adopting a child, or how our support services work? You’re not alone — and we’re here to help. Browse our FAQs to find clear answers about requirements, training, financial support, background checks, and more. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for ongoing guidance, we’ve got the info you need.

I am divorced. Can I still be a foster parent?

You are able to be a foster parent, even if you are divorced! However, it is important that you have a good support system in place! If you are alone, it is helpful to have someone that can help you if your car breaks down, if you need to work late, or if you are unable to pick up a child as agreed upon, or get them to an appointment.

Can I become a foster parent if I rent my home?

It is perfectly okay to rent! You must have enough room in the apartment or rental building to accomodate the children that you will foster. Adding a child would not be feasible if you only have a one-bedroom apartment, for example.

Can we become foster parents if we are retired?

As long as you are mentally, physically, and financially fit, and otherwise qualified to foster, being retired would not disqualify you from becoming a foster parent.

If I work, am I still able to become a foster parent?

You are still able to foster as long as your childcare needs are still provided for whenever you are working.

I am already a parent, am I still able to become a foster parent?

You are still able to become a foster parent, even if you are a parent! You must consider the specific issues of potential placements, and of your children. Placements can be impacted based on the children in the room. For example, there are rules in place for how rooms can be shared. Also, if your children have behavioral or medical challenges, it may be difficult to place additional children in your home. Sometimes, children are unable to be placed with younger children, or they cannot be placed in the case of a large age gap.

Can I take my foster children to church?

You are allowed to bring children to church! However, we cannot force a child to engage in church-related expectations, such as praying, taking communion, baptism, etc. If your church has practices that could be potentially dangerous, we ask that you do not take the kids. We must also respect the faith of the child placed in your home. If they profess a certain religion, it is expected that you take them to that faith's services. (Such as taking a Catholic child to mass, a Jewish child to the local synagogue, etc.)

Can the foster children help with chores?

Chores that are part of teaching structure and routine, such as making the bed, cleaning the play area, etc. are appropriate. There are some limits preventing potentially dangerous chores, such as operating equipment, climbing a ladder, and more. Foster children are not placed to staff family businesses or to be used as laborers.

Will I be able to adopt the foster kids we have in our home?

It is important to remember that foster care is designed to be temporary. The children are returned home, or a permanent family is targeted based on their potential kinship relationship, their time in foster care, and their specific needs. With that said, foster parents are often an obvious consideration to adopt the children they have cared for. It is very common that when adoption decisions are made, the foster parents are considered.

Is it a problem if I drink alcohol, smoke, and I'm a gunowner?

In Pennsylvania, it is not allowed for anyone to smoke in the car, or at home while a foster child is present. This is a non-negotiable; if you MUST smoke in your home, we cannot approve you.
Alcoholic beverages must not be accessible in any fashion to the children, and we prefer that drinking not be done in the presence of a child to prevent them from being overly curious about experimenting. We certainly respect the right to bear arms; with foster kids in the home, there are rules about locking the guns, storing the ammunition, and preventing the kids from accessing the weapons. Certainly, no one wants to see a child harmed or to make a poor decision that ends with an injury. If you are willing to accept the safety requirements, then things are fine. The main issue is to prevent the children from being able to get to your tobacco, alcohol, or guns.

If I have filed for bankruptcy in the past, will this prevent me from becoming a foster parent?

Every foster parent must show they are financially stable at the time they are approved. If your bankruptcy is current or was filed in the last year or two, it may prevent you from being approved. The main issue is, how are your finances today? Did your credit and finances improve after the bankruptcy, or are you still having difficulty? In short, the answer is no, it will not impact you significantly, but more recent concerns may indicate that your financial habits have not changed.

If I have a criminal record, will this prevent me from becoming a foster parent?

As part of the application process, all foster parents — and any household members over the age of 18 — are required to undergo background checks. We understand that people grow and change, and a past mistake doesn't automatically disqualify you from fostering.
For example, a DUI from many years ago during college may not be a concern if there have been no similar incidents since. However, if an arrest occurred recently, it could raise questions about current stability or decision-making. In such cases, we may request that applicants address these concerns with a licensed professional before moving forward. Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of every child placed in our care. We assess each situation individually, looking for honesty, accountability, and evidence of personal growth.

We are currently licensed with another agency, are we able to transfer to Lifespan?

We do not recruit foster parents from other foster care or adoption agencies as that is often bad practice. However, you may apply, and we will seek a reference from your current agency and others to see if it was a positive experience or if there are issues that need to be addressed.