Become a Foster Parent
It’s Easy to Donate!
Your donation will help foster positive change for children and families who need it most.
Click here for an interview with our staff that highlights the need for foster parents and how we support families.
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The Need
Who are Foster Parents?
Wheeler Clinic’s foster parents are Connecticut families who come from all walks of life. These families participate in Wheeler Clinic’s foster care programs, which include, Therapeutic Foster Care, Medically Complex Foster Care and Respite Foster Care. They are families helping families by providing a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment for children and adolescents in need. Foster parents may be married or single, and may rent or own their own home. They must have a stable income and transportation. Many foster parents have children, or have raised children; others may work with children. Whatever the situation, fostering a child or adolescent can enrich your life.
Therapeutic Foster Care
The program serves youth ages 6 through 17 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect, or who may be experiencing symptoms related to trauma, loss and other behavioral health concerns. Foster families receive ongoing training and 24/7 support from our Therapeutic Foster Care Team.
Medically Complex Foster Care
The program serves youth from birth to 18 years who meet the diagnostic criteria for medical conditions that may include, but are not limited to, prematurity, asthma, diabetes, cardiac conditions, developmental disabilities, fetal alcohol syndrome, feeding tubes, etc. Medically Complex Training is required, and support is provided by our Therapeutic Foster Care Team.
Respite Foster Care
Respite Foster Care offers a temporary home in which a foster parent or family takes over the parenting responsibility for another foster parent. Respite providers must meet licensing requirements, including training and background checks.