Building families through empathy, hope, and respect is what we love doing at Lifespan Family Services. We are a non-profit organization in Luthersburg, PA, committed to the care of children facing special circumstances and providing them with homes and services. We place children in loving homes close to them and provide the family with valuable resources that fit their needs.
Foster Care
Becoming a foster parent in DuBois and Western and Central Pennsylvania is an attainable goal! With an open heart and a warm home, you may be able to provide a stable environment for a child during his or her time of need. With your commitment and help from our staff, you can go through the application process and be on your way to being a registered foster parent.
Taking on the Role of a Parent
A caring foster parent needs to be willing to take on the difficulties and responsibilities of being a parent. Some characteristics that you should possess include enjoying being with children and having the ability to handle change and manage stress. It is also important to have a sense of humor and be flexible.
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Creating a Structured Home
- To become a foster parent, you must meet requirements set by both the state and the agency. State-regulated requirements can be located in Title 55 Pa Code Chapter 3700. Our corporation is committed to abiding by all state regulations. Lifespan Family Services has the following requirements set for its foster parents:
- Foster Parents Must Be 21 Years of Age or Older
- Foster Parents Must Pass a Medical Examination Stating That They Are Physically Able to Care for Foster Children & Are Free from Communicable Diseases
- Foster Parents Must Be Able to Pass Screening Requirements Related to Child Abuse & Criminal History Clearances
Lifespan Family Services recognizes the importance of a legitimate introduction to adulthood. Because of this, we support the federal government's push to allow for ongoing support up until age 21. We also encourage our foster parents to accept that. Even though almost every foster child can't wait until they become 18, it is our job to encourage children throughout their lives. Our organization supports you as you help prepare your foster kids for adulthood.
Working together, we can:
- Provide reassurance to the children that they do not need to "Hit the Street" when they are 18
- Encourage the children to seek educational pursuits, such as college, technical or trade schools, and community colleges
- Provide the availability for a budgeting class for each child upon age 16 at their request to learn basic financial skills and provide them with awareness of the cost of living alone
- Launch your foster children into their future, and we should continue providing a home and family support for their efforts
- Seek mentors for your child to build awareness and the abilities needed to become truly independent in a successful way
If you are ready to take the first step or if you would like more information, please fill out the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page.
Thank you for your interest in helping children in need.
The Transition Period
You don't have to be a foster parent long to hear the children declare what they are going to do when they turn the magic age of 18. It is this time of transition where impulsive decisions impact the rest of their lives. Often, their lack of preparation and awareness of running a household and truly becoming independent result in poor decision-making. This often leads to arrest.
Historically, foster children have been left alone during this awkward time. They have a natural desire to be independent but lack the support to be successful.
Staying Connected
Our Punxsutawney and DuBois, PA, teams also encourage anyone providing care for a child to be willing to allow their home to be a permanent family home. This includes holiday returns, school breaks, and other family gatherings. Family connections are needed the most, and our foster parents are strongly encouraged to expect to provide a permanent family connection with their older foster children.
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