Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about foster care.

What is foster care?
Foster care means the placement of a child into the legal custody or legal authority of a county department of human/social services for physical placement of a child in a certified or licensed facility.

A family foster care home provide the child with an emergency or temporary home and a supportive, stable, supportive family environment while the birth family addresses the concerns or situation that prevents them from parenting their child. Typically, foster parents care for the child until reunification with the birth family, there is an adoption or guardianship with kin, or the child is legally available for adoption. Sometimes foster parents become the permanent home for the child through adoption.

I don't make a lot of money. What if my foster child gets sick?
Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement. Medical and dental coverage is provided for children in foster care through Medicaid, or private insurance sources.

What does the child's caseworker do?
The caseworker will...
•• Provide you with the pertinent information that you need to meet the child’s needs.
• Bring the child to your home and help him or her move in and get settled.
• Visit you and the child regularly.
• Encourage you to work with the birth family in varying capacities.
• Depending on the situation, arrange for and in some cases, supervise visits between the child and the birth parents and/or other relatives.
• Help you coordinate educational services, health, dental, mental health services, or counseling that the child needs.

What does a foster care resource caseworker do?
• Provides monthly supervision and support in your home.
• Answers questions that you have about the foster care program.
• Provides information about available training, support, and resources.

I'm 60 years old and retired. Can I be a foster parent?
A person’s age is not a barrier. You need to be in general good health and have the energy and desire to provide a stable, loving environment to a child. Take a look at the qualifications to be a foster parent.

Do foster parents have to stay at home?
No. However, it's the responsibility of working fosterparents to make appropriate child care arrangements for their foster children.