This May, during National Foster Care Month, StepStone Family & Youth Services is honoring its dedicated foster parents, case managers, and community members who support the children in foster care and play an important role in helping them achieve reunification.
When children experience family challenges and cannot remain safely in their own home, foster parents in cities at our locations across the country stand ready to answer the call of opening their hearts and home to a new foster child. Since joining StepStone Family & Youth Services as licensed foster families, these foster parents have been making a positive difference in the lives of the foster children we serve.
StepStone is also using National Foster Care Month to debunk common misconceptions about the foster care system, including:
- Foster parents do not have to be heterosexual, married couples. They can be single, married or in a relationship. StepStone does not discriminate against sexual orientation or identity.
- Foster parents do not have to own a home. The requirement is to have adequate space, including a bed, dresser and closet space for a foster child.
- Foster parents receive support from the state and community partners. StepStone provides case managers to help meet the needs of the children placed in your home.
- Foster parents do not need prior parenting experience. StepStone provides foster parents intensive training, wraparound services and ongoing support.
- Becoming a foster parent is an affordable process. StepStone offers CPR and first aid training, fingerprints and background checks at no cost to the foster parent.
If interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about StepStone’s services, please visit stepstoneyouth.com.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Organizations Call On Community as Foster Care Needs Arise Across Virginia (WFXR- TV)
It’s National Foster Care Month (NRVNews)