Foster Care

Program Name:  Foster Care
Division: Children and Family Services

Contact Person:           Barbara Feliciano

Goal of Service

Foster care has been a part of Catholic Charities' work since the agency's inception in 1943.  The Foster Care program provides services and assistance to the children in our greater Harris County area who are in need of temporary homes. Catholic Charities believes that every child has the right to the love, protection and care provided by a capable and committed family.  The children in the program have suffered abuse, neglect and/or abandonment and are in the managing conservatorship of Children's Protective Services. Catholic Charities Foster Care Program seeks potential foster parents who can meet the needs of these children.

Services Provided to Foster Children

Our program serves children in the managing conservatorship of Children's Protective Services.  The children are between the ages of birth to 17 and represent a broad range of ethnic and racial backgrounds. A majority of the children are African American or Hispanic.  Many of the children have brothers and sisters who want to stay together. 

The foster children of our community deserve foster parents who can nuture them and provide love and commitment during these difficult times.  Many individuals have the qualities to be foster parents for the children. 

Services Provided to Foster Parents

Assist families with the application process.

Provide education classes to help parents learn the unique needs of the children.

Work closely with families to determine their strengths through the home study process.

Provide on-going educational opportunities to meet the annual training requirements.

Provide support and guidance to the foster family throughout the time a child is placed in the foster home. 

Eligibility

Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age, married (at least two years) or single, in good physical and mental health, financially stable and pass criminal and child abuse screenings. Catholic Charities serves families in Harris and surrounding counties. 

Fees

There are no fees for foster parents.  Foster parents are reimbursed a per diem for each child in their home. Mileage is also reimbursed. Children's medical care is provided through Medicaid. 

Staff

Licensed professionals with many years of child placing experience provide services. 

How to Access

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed to help with recruitment festivals and general office work.  There are opportunities for volunteers to provide babysitting for daytime and evening foster parent meetings and support groups.  Donations of new and gently used and clean infant and children's clothing and toys are always welcomed.  Groups are needed to sponsor or assist with the foster parent appreciation dinner, the foster family Christmas party and the foster family picnic.
 
For more information about volunteer opportunities click here.

Catholic Charities... providing help, creating hope.