Have you ever considered being a foster parent? Would you be willing to care for children temporarily while efforts are made to reunite children with their parents? There are children who need you. For some, foster care is a temporary, safe haven. For others, it is a protective bridge to adulthood. However long they stay and for whatever reasons they enter care, foster care is a necessary protection for many children.

On any given day in Pennsylvania, there are more than 20,000 children and youth in foster care. From babies to teens, foster care provides these young people with a safe, secure and stable homes while working toward some type of permanency for the child.

At a time when more children are entering foster care, Pennsylvania needs more caring adults willing to provide a loving, supportive environment for a child whose family is temporarily unable to do so.

Individuals interested in becoming foster parents must be at least 21 years of age, pass a medical examination and several background clearances. Several other factors also are assessed:

In addition to receiving training and support, foster parents are reimbursed for the cost of caring for a foster child. Health care costs are generally covered. In the event that the child cannot return home, foster parents often become the child's adoptive parents.

Many areas have local foster parent associations that meet regularly to provide support for their members. Pennsylvania is also fortunate to have a statewide association, the Pennsylvania State Foster Parent Association, dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of foster parents, foster children and child placement agencies in Pennsylvania. You may call PSFPA at 800-951-5151 or the SWAN Helpline at 800-585-SWAN or visit the PSFPA website at psfpa.com.

Pennsylvania has a critical need for more foster parents. If you would like to make a difference in a child's life, contact your county children and youth agency. Find them at www.pcya.org.