Frequently Asked Questions:
What is foster care?
Foster care is a temporary living arrangement for children who need a safe place to live when their parents or another relative cannot take care of them. The foster family and Gateway Children’s Services staff work together to return children to their own homes as quickly as possible in cases where the child becomes free for adoption, foster parents may be considered as adoptive parents.
Why do children need foster care?
Foster parents are the most important resource we have to give the children we serve by providing a safe, loving home to children and teens who are unable to remain with their own families due to:
- Illness
- Family breakdown (sickness, death, substance use/abuse, behaviors)
- School issues
- Relationship issues
- Neglect or abuse that threatens their well-being
What kind of children will I be fostering/What kind of children will be in my home?
As a foster parent you may give a home to a newborn or to a 21-year old child trying to get into college, needing extra support and a safe place to stay. These children and teens have been removed from their homes or are not able to return to their own homes for various reasons, such as illness, family breakdown, school issues, relationship issues, neglect or abuse that threatens the welfare of the children. Each child has their own unique “story”, and you taking part in that can change their life forever.
What does it cost to foster a child?
As a foster parent you will receive financial assistance for having foster children in your home. Depending on the age and needs of the child compensation rates vary; travel over 40 miles one way and other approved expenses are also compensated.
What are the benefits of being a foster parent?
There are too many to list but the best partof being a foster parent is having the satisfaction of making a difference in the life of a child or teen that would otherwise not have the opportunity to have a new beginning. You have ongoing training, supervision, and support 24/7. You are reimbursed to cover basic needs of the child, as well as receiving reimbursements for other expenses related to foster care.
How does being a foster parent help?
As a foster parent you protect children who have been separated from their families. You are able to give these children or teens a healthy family life experience, that some or most have never had.
What does it take to be a foster parent?
To be a foster parent it is important that you have a heart for children. These children and teens are hurting and need a safe and stable environment. They need someone who will ensure their safety, show them love, help guide them, and show them support.
Start your Foster Parent Application today!
Applications are available in PDF and WORD formats. Please call 859.498.9892 or email us to request a printed application with additional information in the mail.
