- Gayle, foster parent from Worcester, MA
Why are
youths in foster care?
Children and
adolescents are placed out of their homes when there are concerns that make the
family home unsafe, or when their own behavior puts them at risk. Foster care
may be used on a short-term basis to stabilize a crisis, or on a long-term
basis to address more serious family problems. The goal for most children in
care is to return home or move to a long-term living situation.
What types of youth come into foster care?
Youth may require out of home placement because of physical or sexual
abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or domestic violence. In addition to family
problems, they may have variety of behaviors including: difficulty following
rules and managing their anger, school truancy, and running away. The Eleen
Bard Foster Care program accepts girls and boys between ages of infancy and 18
from the Central Massachusetts region.
Foster parents provide a safe place for children and adolescents in their own
homes – “A home away from home.” They also provide love, discipline, supervision,
and the consistency of a nurturing home environment.
What is it like to be a foster parent?
The experience of being a foster parent is different every day, just like
parenting. Some common words foster parents use to describe the experience are:
rewarding…educational…satisfying…difficult…wonderful…frustrating…and emotional.
Why become a foster parent?
Foster parents want to give something back to the community. They care about
the kids and have time and energy to give. Foster parents want to enrich the
lives of youth and share their family values with others.
How long will a youth stay in foster care?
The length of the youth’s stay depends upon the placement goals. The
Department of Social Services refers a youth or teen to the program that best
meets the needs of the youth or teen.
What training is provided?
The Eleen Bard Foster Care program provides a mandatory three-day training
series for new foster parents. Workshops and support groups are scheduled
regularly and a case manager visits all foster parents in their home weekly.
Why be a foster parent with the Eleen Bard
Foster Care Program?
In collaboration with YOU, INC. :
- We have a 36-year history
of providing services for adolescents and families. YOU, INC. has been
providing foster care services since 1974.
- Provide high quality
support services for our foster parents including 24-hour/ 365 day a year
consultation from professional staff.
- Provide foster parents
with a strong network of culturally sensitive support services.
- This program is
accredited by the National Council on Accreditation of Services for Children
and Families and licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care.
“I’m
much more in control of my anger since foster care. I had to look at myself for
a change…I had to grow up.”
- Michelle, Age 16
