FAQs
Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?
Our foster care program provides services for children between the ages of birth to 22. The majority of our clients are between the ages of 5 to 17.
Have questions? Explore the answers to our FAQs about Foster Care, or contact FosterCare@LUK.org for more information.
Ready to make a difference? Visit our Become a Foster Parent page and fill out the interest form to get started today!
To become a LUK foster parent you must meet the minimum requirements including but not limited to:
– Be a Massachusetts resident 18 years of age or older
– Rent or own a home that meets safety standards
– Pass a background record check
For a full list of eligibility standards, contact us.
Yes. We will work with you to determine that you have sufficient supports in place and that the childcare issues are addressed.
The application process involves five or six conveniently scheduled visits to your home over a 10- to 12-week period of time. Staff members assist you in gathering paperwork, interviewing all family members, inspecting the home for safety, and fully explaining the responsibilities of foster parenting. Our careful screening process helps you determine whether or not foster parenting is right for you, and, if yes, helps us match just the right child to your home. You will also attend a number of trainings to help you prepare to welcome a foster child into your home.
Additionally, you and every member of your household over the age of 15, are required to pass a Criminal Records Background Check, Sexual Offender Registry check, and Federal fingerprinting.
Yes, foster parents are not employees, you volunteer to take children into your home. Parents receive a daily reimbursement for costs associated with taking care of a child, based on the needs of the child. This money is provided to cover such expenses as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, recreation, and allowance, and should not be considered income. LUK does not have a minimum income requirement. However, your income must be earned and should be sufficient to meet the financial needs of your own family.
Foster parents are not responsible for medical or dental expenses. Each child has Medical Insurance, private insurance, or a combination that covers most expenses.
Yes, provided there is a child care plan in place. It is not acceptable for both parents to have second-shift employment when caring for school-age children.
When it comes to foster children, one size does not fit all. There’s no typical foster child: some kids are stepping down from residential treatment; some have developmental delays; some have suffered unspeakable abuse; some have never been required to follow the rules of society; some have built walls around themselves to keep out the hurt; and some have lost their beloved homes and families. Most will undergo counseling and therapy while in foster care. It won’t be easy to help a child who has known such pain and upheaval, but we’ll train you extensively on how to handle the specific needs of your foster child.
Sometimes. If time allows, we try to arrange pre-placement visits so you can meet ahead of time. In many cases, however, a child’s need for a foster home is urgent, and you won’t be able to meet your foster child until he or she arrives at your door.
Yes. In the state of Massachusetts, Intensive Foster Care allows you to have up to two foster children. The Department of Children and Families allows a total of four children under the age of 18, including your own children, with additional requirements for your home.
This varies depending on the needs of the child and the circumstances of his or her placement. Some children are returned home after only a few months; others after a year or so. Sometimes, children who can’t go home become eligible for adoption; others remain in foster care until age 18.
Yes, however, they must have a bed of their own, and children of the opposite sex can only share a room if they are under five years of age. A bedroom must also have room for storage for each child’s belongings.
We expect that our foster parents provide the majority of transportation for the foster children. We do have team members that can assist if foster parents have a conflict in their schedule.
You never have to feel that you have to deal with a crisis alone. We offer support 24/7. During office hours there is always someone available to assist you with any crisis that might arise. After hours there is a staff person assigned to answer all emergency calls.
Adoption for some foster children can be an option for foster parents.
We always appreciate the support and there are multiple ways to get involved without becoming a parent. Here are a few ways to make a difference:
Spread the Word
Share information about becoming a foster parent in-person and on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Educate
Educate yourself and others on the foster care system and bills that can impact youth experiencing foster care.
Volunteer
Explore volunteer opportunities that impact youth receiving foster care services. Our Mentoring Program pairs caring, concerned role models with youth who will benefit from additional support, and the commitment is only one hour a week for a year.