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Tuesday, March 11, 2003 Page: 2A
Luzerne County Children and Youth Services is continuing its search for
much-needed foster parents.
The agency faces a chronic shortage of 20 to 30 foster parents at any given
time, said Rabbi Larry Kaplan, a member of the agency’s board and a foster
parent himself.
Anyone interested in learning more about the program can contact Maryjo
Sullivan, a Children and Youth supervisor, at 826-8700, extension 2111.
Sullivan said foster parents must meet certain eligibility requirements,
including the following: They can be single or married, but must be least age
21; have a stable income; pass a criminal background and child abuse check;
can have no more than six children (foster and biological) under age 18 in the
home; provide references from six people.
The home must also be inspected to ensure it complies with safety
regulations. The entire approval process takes two to three months, she said.
Once approved, foster parents must take six hours of training.
Sullivan encourages interested persons to contact her, or to attend an open
house scheduled for 7 p.m. May 13 at the agency’s office at 111 Pennsylvania
Blvd., Wilkes-Barre.