A foster parent should be someone who...

• wants to make a difference in a child’s life

• is married, single, or in a partnership

• can be a working or stay-at-home parent

• can work as a member of a team with families, social workers, and other professionals

• can help prepare a child for return to their birth family or to be adopted

• may become an adoptive parent

You can apply to become a foster parent if:

• You are at least 21 years old.

• You are married, single, or living with a partner.

• You have sufficient income to meet your own family’s needs.

• You are in good health.

• You can make room in your home and heart for children who need safe, temporary care.

Steps toward becoming a foster parent:

• Attend an orientation session.

• Complete an application.

• Provide personal references.

• Provide current medical reports.

• Attend pre-certification training classes.

• Participate in a home inspection.

What Happens When I Call Berkshire Farm?

• A Berkshire Farm Center representative will set up a brief home or group orientation session.

• You will complete a Family Foster Home application.

• We will set up and conduct a home inspection.

• You will undergo training and certification.

• We will place foster and pre-adoptive children in your home.

Benefits of Becoming a Foster Parent...

It pays to become a foster parent. There are challenges in caring for all children - but the rewards of caring for youth in foster care are many.

• Prospective foster parents receive comprehensive training.

• Foster parents receive ongoing support from family specialists and from other foster parents.

• We provide 24 hour emergency services.

• We provide medical support to meet the needs of the child.

• We provide financial support.