About Fostering
The idea of fostering can feel intimidating. Take a moment to learn a bit about what foster care is all about. When you’re ready to get more involved, head over to our Become a Foster Parent page or see how everyone in our community can Support Local Youth.
What Is Foster Care?
Some children are not able to be in their family's care safely. Foster care provides a safe place to live for those kiddos, for as long as they need it.
For some kids, this may be a short-term need while their family is supported in growing their skills and resources to be able to provide a safe and nurturing home.
For others this might mean finding a family willing to provide permanent care through adoption or guardianship.
Every family’s story is different, but they all rely on support from their community to navigate difficult moments in their lives.
Who Can Become a Foster Parent?
(Psst: Ever heard the term “resource parent”? It means the same thing as “foster parent.”)
There are some basic requirements to be a foster parent, but the following qualities are also important:
- Openness to meeting a child where they are
- Willingness to support a child’s existing connections
- Self-awareness and self-reflection
- Openness to suggestions and ideas for parenting
- Willingness to prioritize the child’s needs and best interests
- Above all, flexibility, curiosity, and an open mind!
Now, about those requirements. Foster parents must be at least 25 years old, have an existing, stable income, have adequate space in their home, have a valid driver’s license, be able to provide transportation in case of an emergency, and be able to pass a background check. Learn more about the steps needed on our Become a Foster Parent page.
What is Fostering Like?
There are some common experiences resource parents share. On the other hand, being a foster parent means working with kiddos who come into foster care with their own unique experiences, and each foster parent also has their own history.
Many foster parents report feeling challenged, fulfilled, and inspired. Many of our resource parents are surprised at the personal growth they experience while fostering, and it is typical for foster parents to feel deeply connected to others who foster.
At Seneca, we ensure every resource parent is supported throughout their journey. We provide training, community, respite care, and crisis support. Saying goodbye to the kiddo in your care can be a difficult reality, but more often than not, foster parents choose to continue to take more kiddos into care, even after having a child leave their home.
Why Foster Through Seneca?
Seneca Family of Agencies is unique in its size, history, and commitment to everyone involved in any given case. We are dedicated to providing support to children and families every step of their journey, no matter what challenges they face along the way. Learn more on our About Seneca page.
Different Types of Foster Care
There are different foster care programs available through Seneca:
Individuals and families who open their homes to a child, teen or a group of siblings. All Seneca resource parents receive our comprehensive training and support throughout their time caring for a youth in foster care. Resource parents receive a stipend to supplement the cost of caring for the youth in their care.
Individuals and families who care for a child or a sibling set (typically over the age of ten) for a period of up to six months. These caregivers undergo our most comprehensive training and are provided with access to round the clock staff support while caring for youth who have experienced significant challenges. These caregivers receive an increased stipend to supplement their care and housing needs.
Individuals and families who want to support youth in foster care but cannot commit to long-term caregiving. Respite caregivers step in for resource parents to look after a young person while the resource parent tends to other matters, such as a business trip, caring for a sick family member or just a night out. Respite caregivers receive the same high-quality training as resource parents but may not need to meet the standard approval requirements. Many foster parents start as respite caregivers to test the waters.
FAQs
Enhanced Caregivers make short-term commitments to providing safe, loving homes for high-needs youth in houses provided by Seneca Family of Agencies. These placements range from 30 days to 6 months and focus on providing therapeutic services in a family home setting.
Seneca welcomes individuals who are:
- At least 25 years old.
- Of any marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Willing to move into a furnished home provided by Seneca
- Able to pass a health and criminal background screening
Seneca's Enhanced Caregivers receive free furnished housing provided by Seneca, as well as a generous monthly stipend.
The approval process typically takes 2-3 months but can be flexible depending on the situation of the applicant(s), the needs of the program, and availability of an Enhanced home.
The typical age range is from 11-17. Youth can identify in many different ways as related to ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality, socioeconomic background, or culture. Seneca is committed to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment for all individuals. It is the expectation that all Resource Families with Seneca are open to and affirming of all youth identities.
Visits from friends and family are encouraged with consideration around the specific needs and experiences for the youth in care. Caregivers are welcome to maintain their relationships with people important to them. Any regular visitors will need to be fully background checked and we would encourage them to attend some of our trainings.
Pets are considered for approval on a case-by-case basis. Each pet will need to have up to date vaccination records and will need to be evaluated by a professional pet trainer to assess for any behavioral concerns. Each Enhanced program may have a specific pet policy depending on facility considerations.
Enhanced Caregivers do not need to be married or in any sort of partnership. Seneca welcomes individuals who are single and/or divorced, in addition to married couples and domestic partners.
Due to the level of need expressed by program youth we ask that our Enhanced Caregivers do not have other children residing in the home.