Become a Caregiver
DHS provides many opportunities for individuals to open their home and agree to care for a child, adult or older adult who may or not be related. The following links provide details about each of the programs.
Adoptive Parent for a Child(ren)
Provides all-important permanency for a child whose safety and well-being can not be ensured withhis or her birth parents. Adoptive parents are generally from a family the child knows—relatives or foster parents.
Dom Care (Adult Foster Care)
Matches people who cannot live independently with families who are willing to open their homes and provide a caring environment. Those who may need placement include the elderly and/or mentally ill, mentally retarded, blind or disabled adult, aged 18 years or over.
Family Caregiver Support Program
Reduces caregiver stress and reinforces the care that they provide to their family members. The program supports caregivers who are caring for functionally impaired relatives, ages 60 years and over, and 18- to 59-year-olds with a medical diagnosis of an irreversible dementia.
Caregiver Champions is a volunteer-powered, grassroots effort to reduce the stress of caregiving through learning circles where experts share vital information about coping strategies, tools and resources in our community.
Family Living Providers
Welcomes persons with mental retardation, whose care needs may fall anywhere along the continuum of intensities, to share the home and life of an unrelated individual or family. These individuals/families undergo training to prepare them to offer appropriate supports. The family or individual must comply with the policies, procedures, and regulations of the provider agency, the county and the state, which includes providing a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment in which the person has choice. Contact Elizabeth Poshard-Roos at 412-253-1594 or eroos@alleghenycounty.us.
Foster Parent for a Child(ren)
Provides care for a child until his or her parent(s) can resume full responsibility or until a permanent home is found. Foster parent(s) commit to helping a child through a difficult period. It is a job for people who can provide sincere but short-term love and guidance.
Senior Companion
Provides regular visits and assistance to older adults in their home. Companions may assist with simple daily activities, serve as an escort for shopping, medical or social outings, or provide caregiver relief.
Senior Companion Program brochure