Foster Care Programs

About being a Foster Parent

A Foster Parent is someone who...

• wants to make a difference in a child’s life
• can work as part of a team with families, social workers, and other professionals
• can help to prepare a child for return to their birth families, to be adopted, or to live independently in the community
• is single, married, or living with a partner
• is at least 21 years of age
• can make room in your home and heart
• is physically, mentally, and emotionally able to care for foster youth
• can financially provide for themselves and their family
• is flexible and capable of handling stressful situations

"You don’t have to be perfect to be a Foster Parent. Being a Foster Parent is not a passive act of opening one’s home and providing food, clothing, and shelter. It is a proactive statement of Nurturing, Advocacy, and Love."

What we do for Foster and Adoptive Parents at Berkshire Farm Center

• In addition to the initial, intensive preparation program, we provide families with at least 24 hours of specialized and varied training annually.
• At least monthly support groups/trainings are scheduled in the am, pm, and on Saturdays to accommodate all schedules.
• Berkshire team members are on call 24/7 and respite options are available.
• We carefully match children and families based on the family’s strengths and the child’s needs.
• Every applicant family must be cleared via a Criminal Background Check and State Central Registry.
• We provide individually tailored treatment planning, linkage and referral to needed resources, activities for children and families, and therapeutic and clinical support.

What support can you expect as a Foster Parent?

• Extensive and dynamic training
• Ongoing support and guidance from an assigned Family Specialist and Homefinder
• Assistance in securing appropriate support services for the foster youth
• Assistance with securing and paying for daycare if necessary
• Monthly financial stipend and medical insurance for the foster youth
• The availability and commitment of a qualified and supportive team

Steps to Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent

1. Contact a BFC Homefinder
2. Meet us for an orientation
3. Complete an application
4. Attend GPS II/MAPP Meetings with Berkshire
5. Work with the Homefinder to complete the certification process

Are you interested in becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent? Contact Us >>