Children & Youth Services

AGENCY OVERVIEW:

Mission and Vision Statement

Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS) is committed to the wellbeing of children and families. By empowering and engaging families and the community, safety and permanency can be achieved and all members can thrive.

We are dedicated to protecting children from abuse and neglect, while preserving families when possible. When children are unable to remain safely at home, we work diligently to achieve safe permanency for children and youth through reunification, adoption, or permanent legal custodianship. WCCYS utilizes a teaming model to build on the strengths of families, engage families and natural supports, and empower families to achieve their highest potential.

Washington County CYS provides the following Interventions:

- Twenty- four hour availability to investigate reports of alleged child abuse and child neglect.
- Services and assistance to families and children to enable children to remain safely within their own homes and to prevent family disruption and the need for child placement.
- Community education, parent education and other preventive services in collaboration with others to reduce the number of families needing services of the public child welfare agency.
- Temporary safe care and supportive services in the most family-like setting possible for children in need of placement outside of the home.
- Stable permanent family through adoption or permanent legal custody when the birth family is unwilling or unable to provide safe permanency for their child along with Post-permanency support.

Mandated Reporters are required to report suspected child abuse.

To make a good faith report of suspected physical and/or sexual abuse or neglect,

call or go to:

Contact PA Childline at
1-800-932-0313
OR

Click Here to Make a Report

You can find additional information about our agency and services below.

AGENCY INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

It is our pleasure to serve and provide the highest quality of care and protection for the children of Washington County.

For more information please call 724-228-6884.

Jessica Sphar
Administrator
jessica.sphar@co.washington.pa.us
724-705-8337

Address:
95 West Beau Street
Suite 300
Washington, PA 15301

Contact:
Switchboard:
724-228-6884
Toll Free: 888-619-9906
Fax: 724-223-4713

Highlighted Services

Child Protection Services
1-800-932-0313

Infant and Early Childhood

Teen and Young Adult Support

Parent and Caregiver Support

Placement and Permanency Services

PLACEMENT AND PERMANENCY

Washington County Children & Youth Services Foster Parent Program

We are in need of loving, supportive, and committed foster families to provide a temporary home for children of all ages who are from Washington County but have been removed from their birth families due, most often, to abuse or neglect. Children who are welcomed by a supportive foster family are more likely to have a secure and successful future. Foster parents are needed in all areas of the county.

Foster Parenting is…
…caring for a child until the child’s parents can safely resume responsibility for taking care of the child or a permanent home can be found.
…a commitment to helping children and their families through a difficult period by providing love, support and guidance.
…learning and developing the parenting skills needed to meet the unique needs of each child.
…an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, their family and your community.

Foster parenting is rewarding! Foster parents can be vital in helping to break the chain of child abuse and neglect. Foster parents give many children their first chance to learn trust and help children through some of life’s hardest experiences. Foster parents are role models, providing an example of positive parenting for both the child and the birth parents.

Who Can Be a Foster Parent?

Just like any parent, foster parents are people from all walks of life, with various life experiences. You can

Be single, married, divorced, or in a partnership;
Have your own children or not yet be a parent;
Rent or own your residence;
Work;
Have a disability.

Basic Requirements to Become a Foster Parent

To qualify to be a foster parent, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

Be at least 21 years of age;
Pass all required child abuse and criminal history background clearances ;
Meet Pennsylvania state and local requirements for housing, safety, space, and financial stability;
Have good physical and emotional health;
Demonstrate appropriate parenting skills, positive attitude, and stamina to effectively deal with the behavioral and emotional needs of children in care; and
Work cooperatively as part of a team with Washington County CYS, the birth parents, and other agencies in meeting all of the needs of the children placed in your care.

Supportive Services

Foster parents are not alone – the agency provides assistance to help you to meet the child’s needs.

All medical, dental and eye care is covered for the child.
A stipend is available to help defray the cost of caring for the child.
Assistance with day care expenses is available.
Ongoing training is provided to assist foster parents in meeting the needs of their foster children.
A foster care caseworker is available to provide support, education, and guidance to the foster family.

CLICK HERE FOR IS FOSTER PARENTING FOR YOU?

Basic Needs

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND
DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES (MENTAL HEALTH)

DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES
(SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER)

Staff Directory

Latest Information

FAQs

What should you do if you suspect physical and/or sexual abuse or severe neglect?

To make a good faith report of suspected physical and/or sexual abuse or severe neglect, contact PA Childline at: 1-800-932-0313

http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/reportabuse/index.htm

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