A home study usually consists of a series of interviews between a family and a social worker to help applicants think through their ability to foster a child with “special needs.”

It is important that people considering foster care be stable, sensitive, patient and capable of giving a child love and understanding.

Social workers want to be sure that a person or couple have a realistic understanding of the commitment they take on when they become foster parents and that they can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child in their home.

Applicants are asked to provide written information about themselves and their life experiences.

Yes, because you are both being certified to provide foster care.

A foster parent should be someone who:

• Wants to make a difference in the life of a child
• Can make room in their home and heart for children who need temporary care
• Is flexible and capable of handling stressful situations
• Can work as a member of a team with social workers and other professionals
• Can help prepare a child for return to their birth family or to be adopted

You can apply to become a foster parent if you:

• Are at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit
• Are married, single or living with a partner
• Have sufficient income to meet your own family’s needs
• Are able to provide each child with his/her own bed, although children can share a bedroom

Foster children represent all ethnic groups and may be infants through teenagers.

When brothers and sisters come into care, we try to place them together.

Some children may have handicapping conditions and need special care.

Teenage mothers also need homes for themselves and their children.

Foster parents receive a monthly care allowance to feed, clothe, and meet the material needs of the children placed in their care.

Yes, as long as you provide adequate child care arrangements while you are at work.

Westchester County pays for day care services directly to the day care provider.

No, however, you must demonstrate you have housing stability.

Yes. You and your Foster Home Resource worker will work together to determine what types of children will best fit into your home.

You can care for up to six children, which include your own children under the age of 13, and no more than two children under the age of two.

You and your home finder together will determine how many children you will be certified to foster.

Westchester County provides a pediatric clinic in White Plains.

Additionally, all children in foster care qualify for Medicaid.