DHS | Department of Human Services

Foster Care & Adoption

Approximately 3,000 children come into out-of-home care in Philadelphia each year. Many of these children are placed in temporary foster care while the family and social workers work together to build upon a family’s existing strengths, address concerns, and when at all possible, reunite the children with their family in a safe, loving home.

Unfortunately, this is not always possible, and it is sometimes necessary to find another permanent placement option for a child – in many situations this means adoption.

Both foster and adoptive families are invaluable community resources and crucial to the healthy development of the most vulnerable children in our city. Becoming a foster or adoptive parent to an older child, a child with special needs or a sibling group can be an exceptional experience for those who understand that short-term challenges lead to long-term rewards. It’s not easy. It takes willingness, commitment, patience, understanding, and above all else, a big heart with love to spare.

We encourage you to call one of the agencies listed and hope that you will begin the process towards changing the life of a child waiting for a loving, permanent home to call their own.