It is Youth Emergency Service’s goal to provide a safe, healthy environment for youth. One way that we can provide this is through our Foster Care program. In 1991, the Yes House developed its Foster Care Program. Foster Care provides an alternative living arrangement for youth who are not able to live at home. While in Foster Care, youth experience healthy family relationships, and positive communication styles. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and the directions in which their lives progress. Youth are also taught Independent Living skills and are encouraged and assisted with future higher education or employment plans.

The goal of the Foster Care Program is family reunification. When this goal cannot be reached, the purpose then is to provide youth with a short-term or long-term placement in a family environment. In many cases, the youth placed in Foster Care will remain there, graduate from high school and go on to live independently.

The YES House will provide Foster Parents with:

• 24-hour on-call support
• On-going training opportunities
• Weekly meetings with the Coordinator
• Therapy for youth and families
• Financial compensation
• Respite care

FAQs

Who can be Foster Parents?

• Single individuals
• Married couples
• People who like working with youth
• Caring and supportive individuals
• Anyone interested in giving youth a loving, healthy environment

Who are the Children in Foster Care?

• Children from your neighborhood
• All ages 10-18, both genders

How do I become a Foster Parent?

• Must be physically and emotionally healthy
• Must be a positive role model
• Must be able to provide a safe, nurturing environment
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Be able to meet your family’s financial obligations
• Be able to pass a home safety and fire inspection
• Agree to a criminal background check and a child abuse registry check
• Complete training requirements

What are the rewards of becoming a Foster Parent?

• A sense of accomplishment
• 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
• The opportunity to make a lifetime of difference in a short time