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Published: Sep 22, 2023REGISTER NOW
Helping children find homes where they can thrive
Merakey’s foster care program helps children and adolescents find safe and loving homes when they cannot live with their own families. Children and adolescents can achieve their fullest potential while receiving the highest level of care from foster families and Merakey staff members.
Foster Care Parents Making a Difference
Jeanette first became a foster parent with Merakey in November 2006. When asked why she became involved, Jeanette shared, “I was in foster care and wanted to give back what was given to me.” She considered herself blessed when Al entered her life. They married and took a few years off from foster care, enjoying extra time for visiting family members out of the area. They returned to being foster parents in 2012.
When asked what they enjoy about being foster parents, they shared that it is rewarding to reconnect with past placements. Jeanette said she often feels like the kids are not listening to what she is saying, but then observes them doing things she has taught them, which brings a smile to her face. “A majority of them are truly listening and are teachable of everyday life tasks,” states Jeanette. They have had over 26 youth placed in their home and have helped with over 20 respites during their time with Merakey.
Thank you, Jeanette and Al, for your commitment to children and adolescents in foster care!
Merakey foster parents receive:
- Generous, tax free stipend
- Opportunity to work from home
- 24/7 on-call staff support
- Comprehensive training and resource
To learn more about Merakey’s Foster Care program or to apply to be a foster parent, please email fosterparents@merakey.org or call 833-629-2220.
We Help With
- Children and adolescents who are not able to live with their biological family
- Children and adolescents with mental health and/or behavioral health challenges
Available In
- Pennsylvania
Programs Offered
Foster Care Plus (FCP)
Foster Care Plus (FCP) is a more traditional form of foster care than TFC and is only available to children supported by the child welfare system including County Children and Youth and Juvenile Probation programs.
Adoption and Family Supports
As an affiliate of the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), Merakey provides a variety of supports to children and their families through the Adoption and Family Supports Program.
Therapeutic Family Care (TFC)
Therapeutic Family Care (TFC) is for children in the foster care system who have severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and behavioral health challenges. TFC helps rebuild relationships between the child and their birth family and broader community.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Merakey foster parent. Please complete the form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
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