Who are foster care families?
Foster families are people who enjoy parenting and who are willing to share their homes, time, energy, and love with children who are separated from their families

What are the rewards of becoming a foster family?

• A sense of accomplishment
• The opportunity to make a lifetime of difference in a child’s life
• The chance to help children feel good about themselves
• Pride in doing a meaningful and important job
• Challenging experiences
• The opportunity to meet and work with new people
• A chance to use special talents and knowledge

Is there a cost to be a foster parent?
There is no monetary cost to become a foster parent. Foster parents are reimbursed for room, board, and level of care. However, there is a commitment of your time for training and care for the children.

Are you a part of the foster care placement process?
Through the training and home study process, a social worker will assist you in identifying your strengths as a foster family to match those with the needs of a potential foster child. At the time of referral, the foster family receives information on the child to determine if he/she is a child they could care for.

What is the role of the LSS social worker in the foster care placement?
The social workers at LSS are responsible for:

• Training of foster parents
• Licensing foster parents
• Presenting referrals to foster parents
• Supervising the foster care placements
• Coordinating services for the foster child
• Developing a case service or treatment plan for the child in conjunction with the foster parent, child, parent/legal guardian
• Ensuring foster parents receive support services

How are the child’s medical expenses handled?
In the majority of situations, Medicaid covers medical, dental and visuals needs of the foster children. The foster family is not responsible for a foster child’s medical expenses.

What is the foster parent’s role in working with the child’s birth parents?
The LSS social worker, the foster parents, and the legal guardian determine the amount of contact and involvement with the birth family.

If you are interested in becoming a foster care parent, please contact:

© Lutheran Social Services.
All Rights Reserved.