5.0 stars | 5 reviews
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.
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.
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.
Contact UsLifespan 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:
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.
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.
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.
Contact UsOur foster care agency is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and affiliated with reputable organizations such as the PA Council of Children, Youth & Family Services (PCCYS), Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA), National Foster Parent Association (NFPA), and PA Non-profit Organization (PANO). This demonstrates our commitment to meeting and exceeding the required standards.
We place great importance on the well-being of our foster parents and are committed to providing a wide range of support. Our dedicated staff is readily available to offer guidance, assistance, and access to valuable resources, empowering you to effectively navigate the challenges associated with foster parenting. When needed, we also provide respite care, ensuring you have the necessary breaks and support to provide the best possible care for the children in your home. Additionally, we offer training to equip you with the necessary tools for foster parenting.
At our agency, we understand the importance of a thoughtful matching process. During the home approval process, our experienced staff will conduct interviews and engage in discussions to understand your preferences. This enables us to make well-informed matches that foster a positive and nurturing environment for everyone involved.
We prioritize clear and regular communication with our foster parents. Our staff visits your home at least once a month to discuss the child's progress and any specific needs. We provide multiple channels of communication, including phone, text, and email, during normal business hours. Additionally, we offer 24-hour on-call services to address any urgent concerns.
Our agency is committed to providing comprehensive resources and assistance to support foster parents in meeting the needs of the children in their care. We offer access to free furniture, car seats, clothing, and other essential items to help prepare your home for a child. Foster children in Pennsylvania are provided with medical, dental, and vision care, and we ensure that you have the necessary information and support to navigate these services. Furthermore, our foster families have exclusive access to a free training website with a vast collection of articles and courses focused on foster care.
With contracts in place with the majority of CYS agencies throughout Western and Central PA, our agency offers a high placement rate and a variety of placement options. This ensures that we can find the right match for you and provide timely placements when you are ready to welcome a child into your home.
Our agency's reputation speaks for itself. We encourage you to speak with other foster parents and check online reviews to hear firsthand experiences from those who have worked with us. We are proud to share testimonials and reviews from current and past foster families.
We value diversity and promote cultural competence in our work with children and families from different backgrounds. Our About Us page includes a statement affirming our commitment to diversity and non-discrimination.
We understand that foster parents have unique schedules and needs. Our agency is committed to being flexible and accommodating, offering training sessions in your home at your convenience and adapting to your schedule whenever possible.
We believe in transparency and are committed to providing clear information about our policies and procedures. During the foster home licensing process, we will provide you with all our foster parent and child policies and follow up with a one-on-one discussion. Our About Us webpage includes our Civil Rights policy, and we are happy to provide additional details upon request.
At our agency, we prioritize treating foster parents with respect and value their input. We understand that your perspective and insights are essential in providing the best possible care for the children entrusted to us. Our testimonials and reviews reflect the respectful and collaborative relationships we foster with our foster parents.
Our agency has a long-standing history and a proven record of successful placements. We have built a strong foundation over the years, ensuring stability and reliability in our services.
We recognize the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma and are committed to providing trauma-informed care. Our foster care licensing training includes a specific focus on trauma and equips foster parents with the knowledge and resources to support children on their healing journey.
Creating Stability
Foster children often face a lack of stability in their lives. With your donation, we can offer them a safe and secure environment, stability they may have never experienced before. Your support enables us to provide loving foster families, safe housing, and basic necessities, creating a sense of belonging and security for these children.
Empowering Futures
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. By donating, you empower foster children to dream, believe, and achieve. Your contribution opens doors to opportunities such as extracurricular activities, vocational training, mentorship programs, and scholarships, ensuring they have a fair chance at success.
Breaking The Cycle
Your generosity helps break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and instability. By investing in foster children, you offer them a chance to break free from the challenges they've faced and create a positive trajectory for their lives. Your donation has a lasting impact, not only on the individual child but on their future families and communities.
A Community Effort
Together, we can create a community that supports and uplifts foster children. Your donation encourages others to join the cause, fostering a culture of compassion and empathy. By raising awareness and encouraging your friends, family, and colleagues to donate, you become a vital part of this collective effort to provide a better future for foster children.
Your generous monetary donations directly contribute to the well-being and support of foster children in our care. Here are some specific examples of how your contributions make a meaningful difference:
We are immensely grateful for your generosity in helping us provide foster children with a nurturing and enriching environment. Your donation creates lasting impact, shaping their lives and giving them hope for a brighter future. Please consider making a donation today and join us in making a difference in the lives of foster children. Together, we can provide them with the support and opportunities they truly deserve.