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MARYWOOD'S FOSTER CARE PROGRAM Marywood protects children through our loving foster homes: Children of all ages are taken into care by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services when they cannot live either temporarily or permanently with their family of origin.  Children may come into care due to: physical or sexual abuse, drug and/or alcohol abuse, physical neglect, homelessness or living in unsanitary conditions. Or, temporary foster care may be needed when a birthmother voluntarily decides that she is not ready to parent her child and adoption has become the plan. Nationwide, over 500,000 children need either temporary of long term foster care at any given time. In 2004, over 24,500 of these children were in Texas. In 2004, over 1,500 of these children were in Travis and Williamson County, and over 6,600 in the Central Texas region. In 2004, Marywood provided 1,600 nights of care through our 7 foster homes. *For more information see www.dfps.state.tx.us/ The trauma of being removed from their family can significantly impact a child. Foster families are there to help children heal from the hurt.   "You have to be committed with your whole heart and soul." (Marywood foster parent)         .       What are the responsibilities of a foster parent? Provide a safe, healthy and nurturing home environment Monitor the need for medical and dental appointments Work with a team of professionals such as therapists, Court Appointed Special Assistant, case workers, and others Support the plan for reunification with the birth family Attend treatment team meetings, court hearings or other meetings on behalf of the child How does Marywood support our foster families? 24-four hour access to on-call staff in the event of an emergency Training on parenting children with special physical, emotional and developmental challenges Linkage to other foster families who can provide support and guidance Identification of community resources Assistance with respite care Case management services to the foster family and the children in their care Marywood is currently recruiting foster parents who are open to providing care for children of all ages. To access the Marywood Preliminary Application form for foster parents, click here. For more information on our program attend any of the  Adoption/Foster Care Information meetings please check the schedule.  Or,  contact us at FosterCare@marywood.org.  Additional information about foster families is available at Texas Foster Family Association,  website.  There are other resources that might be helpful to you, check  Helpful Links.