Child Welfare
Northern’s Child Welfare division complements its Behavioral Health division, providing an array of prevention and intervention services to children, youth and families, both off and on our campus - particularly those who have been or are at risk of abuse or neglect. Our programs and policies focus on the protection, care, and healthy development of children and youth.
Foster Care
Our Foster Care parents give children and youth (ages 0-21) with varying levels of emotional and behavioral needs the care, love, and nurturing family environment they need.
InquireChange the life of a child. Make a difference in your community. Foster Care involves the placement of children and youth in a single or two-parent family. We offer strong support to foster parents and work collaboratively with them to meet the child or youth’s needs and provide a safe pathway to permanency.
Foster Parent Requirements:
- 21 years of age or older;
- Single or married;
- Open to LBGTQ+ youth, older youth, and children and youth who may have experienced trauma, grief, loss, etc.
- Open to sibling sets of two children or more
- PA Driver’s License and insured/ registered vehicle to transport child(ren);
- Good physical and emotional health;
- Can work cooperatively with a team;
- Can help a child move to an adoptive home or reunite with their family.
Northern provides:
- Ongoing training
- Support Groups
- 24-Hour Crisis Response and intervention support
- Monthly stipend (rates vary).
For more information, please contact Latia Kirby, Foster Care Supervisor, at 215-482-1423 ext. 1137 or lkirby@northernchildren.org
Adoptions
Northern Children facilitates adoptions between loving families and children from infancy to 21-years-old. The children are each in need of safe, supportive and stable environments.
InquireMake a difference in a child or youth’s life. We are always looking for families who are willing to care for siblings and older children. Join us for an information session!
Adoptive Parent Requirements:
- 21 years of age or older;
- Single or married;
- PA Driver’s License and insured/ registered vehicle to transport child(ren);
- Open to LBGTQ+ youth, older youth, and children and youth who may have experienced trauma, grief, loss, etc.
- Good physical and emotional health;
- Can work cooperatively with a team;
- Willing and able to transport a child or children to necessary appointments, visits, etc.
- Can help a child move to an adoptive home or reunite with their family.
Northern provides:
- Ongoing training
- Possible subsidies
- Strong support through caring and knowledgeable staff and through specialized support groups and other resources
- Special activities and events for families throughout the year
For more information please contact Stacy Cleveland, Adoptions Supervisor, at 215-482-1423 ext. 1135 or scleveland@northernchildren.org
Juvenile Justice Supportive Services Program
This program supports youth at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (“PJJSC”) School through a collaborative, strength-based process that ensure that the needs of youth are addressed during their time at PJJSC.
InquireFor more information please call Kia Butler, Director of Foster Care/Juvenile Justice Supportive Services Program, at 215-482-1423 ext. 1261 or email knbutler@northernchildren.org.