These DFYS approved homes meet a standard of care established in the foster care regulations. They are regularly monitored. Some licensed homes specialize in children of a certain age. Some licensed homes serve as emergency shelters. Others specialize in teens who are getting ready to leave foster care.
Some homes provide care for teenagers who are on legal probation.
Licensed foster care means a foster home is agency approved and meets basic standards of safety set by law and regulation. These standards reduce the physical risk that children may face in an unfamiliar home. Licensed foster homes abide by the regulations that are set up for foster care. Because these foster homes are licensed and agree to meet these standards, licensed foster homes are eligible for foster care payments to help with the cost of caring for a child. These payments are not a salary.