How the Y Support Foster Parents | YMCA Foster Care

At the Y, we believe that strong families build strong communities. Our Foster Care Program is designed to empower caring adults to make a difference in the lives of children in need, while also ensuring you feel supported, prepared, and confident every step of the way. Our foster parents come from a variety of backgrounds and have different levels of experience in parenting. During the home study process, we learn what your strengths are and talk through how you will begin your fostering journey.  

Gaining Experience Through Respite Care 

Every journey begins with a first step, and for new Y foster parents, that first step is providing respite care. This allows new foster parents to care for children on a short-term basis, anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It’s a great way to get real-world experience, support different age groups, build confidence, and learn the day-to-day realities of supporting children in foster care, all while having the Y team by your side.

Respite care helps foster parents understand the unique needs of children in care and prepares them for a long-term placement in the future. It helps them narrow down the types of needs and ages for which they may be best suited to care. It’s also an essential service for full-time foster families, giving them a chance to rest and recharge.

Ongoing Learning Through Yearly Trainings 

The Y is committed to lifelong learning, and that includes our foster parents. Once you are newly licensed, your Y Licensor will create a training plan with specific trainings we believe will help you during your first year. These trainings are designed to strengthen parenting skills, deepen understanding of trauma-informed care, and provide tools for navigating challenges. Often, your Y Licensor and Y Case Manager will research different training options for a specific issue happening in the home, helping you add additional tools to your parenting toolbelt.  

Smart Placement Decisions for the Best Fit 

At the Y, we take placement decisions seriously. Our team focuses on collaborative, informed decision making when considering placing a child in one of our foster homes. We consider factors such as family dynamics, experience, and the child’s unique personality and background. We believe that it does more harm to make rash decisions or place children with a higher level of need in homes that are not prepared to support them. We strive to help our foster parents gain experience over time so that they can meet a range of needs in the future.  

Our Y Placement Coordinator also works diligently to create a thoughtful transition plan for new placements. They can potentially arrange for a foster family to provide respite or have a meet and greet with the youth before confirming placement. They help our foster parents develop a plan of action on what services need to be in place prior to placement and advocate on their behalf with DCYF. This thoughtful approach promotes stability, minimizes disruptions, and helps children and families form lasting, positive connections.  

Collaborative Team Approach 

Our Y staff are at the heart of what we do. Our licensors, placement coordinators, and case managers work collaboratively to brainstorm how to support our families in real time. We are constantly updating each other on the needs in the home to capitalize on our shared knowledge to ensure our families have the guidance they need to thrive. From accessing community resources and troubleshooting behavioral issues, Y staff are experienced advocates who walk alongside families every step of the way.

Empowering Families, Changing Lives 

The Y Foster Care Program isn’t just about placing children in homes; it’s about building strong, capable families who are equipped to make a lasting difference. Through training, support, smart placements, and hands-on experience, we help foster parents grow into confident caregivers who can truly make a lasting impact on lives.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering or simply want to learn more, we invite you to complete an inquiry today and speak with a Y staff member. Together, we can give every child the chance to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment. Learn More >>