Family Tree's focus is the preservation of the family unit whenever possible. This program is dedicated to keeping the lines of communication open between foster families and all other members of the foster care system, including: birth parents, foster children, county agencies, court system, and health care providers.
The Family Tree program provides a viable link in the integral chain of specialized supportive services to children and youth and their families. Recruitment for American Indian children is a priority. As a licensed foster care agency, it provides a continuum of foster care services.
TYPES OF CHILDREN IN NEED OF FOSTER CARE
children 0-18 years old who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.
children that have physical, intellectual and/or behavioral problems.
children who are members of sibling groups (allowing the children to stay together).
children of minority races, especially Asian, Hispanic, Black and bi-racial, and Native American (the greatest need is for minority families for this group of children.)
TYPES OF SERVICES
Family Tree studies, trains and assists families in meeting DPW standards for licensure as approved foster families. Family Tree finds appropriate placements for foster parents by matching the individual needs of the family and child. Once a child is placed, Family Tree provides post-placement services (i.e., supervision, referrals to treatment facilities, counseling and support services, short and long term goal planning, etc.).
The goals established will focus on shortening the necessity for out of home placement services, identifying issues placing the birth family at risk, and supporting the families in working through and resolving their issues.
POPULATION SERVED
children in the custody of Pennsylvania Children, Youth and Family agencies.
Western Pennsylvania families in crisis situations requiring emergency support services.
Western Pennsylvania families of any race, sex, religion, marital status or income level wanting to become foster parents.
special consideration is given to Native American families and children.
FOSTER CARE PROCESS
The first step in the foster care process is the completion of a homestudy. During the homestudy, a social worker with special training in foster care will conduct family preparation sessions. The family preparation sessions will give the social worker a clear understanding of the prospective foster family's reasons for fostering and their expectations about parenting.
These sessions will include the following topics:
the types of children awaiting foster homes
parenting the foster child
behaviors and handicaps
bonding and attachment
separation, loss and grief
parenting the sexually/physically abused child
Foster parents are also required to receive training in CPR, first aid and passive restraint. Personal references and physicians will be contacted and a criminal and child abuse background check must be complete. Once all paper work is received, there will be a visit to the family's home.
Upon being certified as a foster parent, families are required to receive annual training, attend hearings on behalf of the child, participate in a minimum of one monthly visit to the home, provide medical, dental and educational information on behalf of the child,and assist caseworker in monitoring of the placement. Families are also required to participate in annual re-evaluation of the home.
Thank you for your interest in Family Tree. Please let us know if we can provide any additional information by contacting our agency at (412)782-4457. Family Tree is eager to end the association between the words dysfunctional and family by helping families utilize their strengths in resolving their conflicts. We hope that you choose to work with Family Tree.
