Family Foster Care
Who are the children needing care?
- Children of all ages, infant to 17 years
- All ethnic and racial backgrounds - most are African American, Caucasian and Hispanic
- Children with acute or chronic medical conditions
- Children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral problems arising from abuse or neglect
- Teens and teen mothers with their babies
Why aren't these children with their birth families?
The birth family may have problems with addiction, relationships, or parenting skills. They may also have legal difficulties. They usually lack extended family support. Foster care is a bridge to support and nurture a child until the child can return to his or her birth family. Staff and foster parents work with and support the birth family towards reunification. Children's ties to their parents are strong and should be preserved whenever possible.
Who can be a foster parent?
- Delaware resident
- Single or married at least one year
- Between the ages of 21 and 65
- Sufficient income to support the foster parents' own family
- Willingness to learn about children's needs and developmental stages
- Ability to work with birth family and Children & Families First team on behalf of the child
- Criminal history check, medical reports and mandated training completed
