Medically Fragile Foster Care

When children in foster care have serious medical conditions, they are placed in foster homes withcaregivers who are specially trained to providelife-sustaining medications, treatments, equipment,accompaniment to multiple appointments,and assistance with daily living activities.

Are You?

• A foster parent who wants to learn how to provide special care and support for children with special medical needs, and their families
• A foster parent who believes that all children deserve to be cared for in a safe, nurturing environment and is willing to provide this for a child with special medical needs

Who Participates?

• Children who have special medical needs and must live in specialized foster homes.
• Foster parents who are trained to address the child’s medical needs and are provided with extensive supportive services

Services Include

• A social worker who will visit the foster home monthly
• A registered nurse who will visit the foster home monthly
• A sociotherapist who will interact with the family weekly
• Individual and family counseling
• Support groups for parents and caregivers
• Assistance with all medical issues and health care coordination
• Trainings related to specific medical needs
• Family support services
• Exceptional case management
• Referrals to various supportive services (e.g., Family Wellness program)

Program Staff

The staff brings a range of experience and skills to help children and families in the foster care system who have medical needs.

Licensed, Master’s level social workers and sociotherapists:

• Skilled professionals have been trained to understand and respond to the family’s needs and issues. The team has smaller caseloads in order to provide more intensive services.

Nurses:

• Each child has a nurse who makes a monthly home visit, assists foster parents with medical appointments, and is able to respond to urgent medical needs.

Additional staff resources:

• Available services include a pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, recruiter/trainer, and additional medical staff as needed.