The goal for a child placed in the foster care system is to achieve safety and permanency as soon as possible, which often includes family reunification. Eckerd Connects will coordinate a team of professionals working together to do what is in the best interest of children. Foster parents are critical members of that team because they can provide unique insights into the child and his or her well-being.

As a foster parent, you will be trained to work in partnership with agency staff to assist the biological parents in improving their ability to protect their children. You will also learn how to best respect the child’s ties to his or her biological family and assist the child in visitation and other forms of communication with the family.