Become a Foster Parent
Open your home. Change a child's story.
Ready to take the first step in making a difference? At LVA, we are dedicated to providing loving homes, support, and hope for those in need.
Why foster care matters
Loving families, much like yours, play a pivotal role in the success of Pennsylvania's child welfare system. Presently, there are approximately 15,000 children in temporary foster care across the state. As a foster parent, you have a unique opportunity to make a profound and enduring impact.
What foster parents provide
Foster parenting demands a unique type of person who can provide stability to children in crisis when they cannot remain in their own homes. These children still require the fundamentals all kids need: security, nurturing, and guidance. Foster parents step in to provide these essential elements on a temporary basis.
The need for foster families
LVA will consider a family's preference of age, but the greatest need is for children 12 and older — and for siblings who deserve to stay together.
Support LVA Provides
- Training during the approval process and 12 hours of ongoing training annually
- Reimbursement for expenses associated with caring for a foster child
- Healthcare costs for the child are typically covered
- Assigned caseworker who attends all court hearings with you
- An on-call system for after-hours emergencies
- Monthly support groups for all kinship and foster parents
Pennsylvania Foster Parent Requirements
Who can become a foster parent in Pennsylvania?
Foster family approval in Pennsylvania is governed by Title 55, Chapter 3700 of the Pennsylvania Code. The requirements below are the baseline every applicant must meet — single or married, renting or owning, working full-time or at home. LVA walks each family through them during the approval process.
Personal & household
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be in good general physical and mental health
- Have sufficient income to meet your own household's basic needs (foster care is not a source of income)
- Have enough time, energy, and emotional capacity to care for a child in addition to current responsibilities
- Single, married, partnered, divorced, and widowed adults are all eligible
Home environment
- A safe, clean home with working smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, and a written emergency evacuation plan
- A bed and storage space for each foster child (a child may share a room with another child of the same gender)
- Safe storage for medications, cleaning supplies, and any firearms
- Pets up to date on required vaccinations
- Rental homes are welcome; renters provide landlord acknowledgment
Background clearances
- Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check for every household member 18 and older
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History clearance for every household member 18 and older
- FBI fingerprint-based federal criminal history clearance
- Disclosure of any out-of-state residency in the prior 5 years for additional clearances
References & documentation
- Three personal references from individuals not related to you
- Verification of income, marriage/divorce documents (if applicable), and proof of auto insurance
- A physician's statement of general good health for each household member
Requirements reflect Pennsylvania state regulations and are subject to change. LVA will provide the full checklist and forms when you begin the application, and our team is available to answer questions before you apply.
The Licensing Process
How to become a foster parent with LVA, step by step.
Traditional foster family applicants average about 90 days from first contact to approval. Kinship family applicants complete the process within 60 days, supported by a dedicated adoption-unit caseworker.
- 1
Inquiry & New Family Form
Submit the New Family Form or call 570-822-9706. LVA follows up to answer your questions and confirm Pennsylvania eligibility.
- 2
Orientation
Attend an orientation to learn about LVA, the children we serve, agency expectations, and the responsibilities of fostering in Pennsylvania.
- 3
Application & clearances
Complete the application packet, submit required clearances and references, and gather supporting documents for every household member 18 and older.
- 4
Pre-service training
Complete pre-service training during the approval process. Once approved, foster and kinship families receive 12 hours of ongoing training annually.
- 5
Home study
An LVA caseworker visits your home, reviews safety standards, and meets with each household member to assess fit, strengths, and supports.
- 6
Approval & first placement
Once approved, LVA matches your family with a child whose needs align with your preferences. Your assigned caseworker supports you through placement and every court hearing that follows.
Foster Parenting FAQs
Answers to the questions families ask us most.
Take the next step
Loftus-Vergari is here to guide you, every step of the way.
Ready to learn more about fostering, adoption, or support services? Reach out today — we'd love to hear from you.