There are no unwanted children. Just unfound families.

Foster Care:

Becoming a Foster Family in Central Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, each day presents an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of approximately 15,000 children who need a home where they can find healing and hope for a brighter tomorrow. At Common Sense, we specialize in supporting families like yours who are willing to open their hearts and homes to these deserving children. As foster parents, you will not only provide love and care but also receive financial assistance to support the children under your roof, with minimal costs involved in becoming an approved foster family.

Foster care serves as a nurturing sanctuary for children, offering them a safe space to heal and grow until they can reunite with their birth families. It’s a pathway that not only provides temporary support but also often leads to the possibility of adoption, offering individuals a valuable opportunity to gain parenting experience before making a long-term commitment.

At Common Sense, we collaborate with numerous child welfare agencies to offer comprehensive foster care services in the greater Harrisburg area. If the idea of becoming a foster family resonates with you, know that we are here to listen, understand your aspirations, and work closely with the placing agencies to ensure a harmonious match for you and the children in need of a loving home.

Together, we can create brighter futures and nurture the bonds that will last a lifetime.

Contact Us

We honor the diversity of families and situations we serve, recognizing that every family is unique and deserving of love and support.

Supporting Families Across Central Pennsylvania

With a focus on providing personalized services, we strive to support families within a one-hour driving distance from our office in Mechanicsburg. We serve families in Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Adams, Franklin, Huntington, Perry, Juniata, Mifflin, Centre, Lebanon, and Lancaster Counties. If you live farther away but there are no other adoption or foster care agencies available to you, we can discuss options for providing service to you. Contact us for more information.

Watch Erin and Lori to Learn What Foster Care is in Pennsylvania.

Your Guide to Navigating Adoption and Foster Care

Understand the step-by-step process of adoption and foster care with our comprehensive guides and resources.

What to Expect When a Child is Placed with You

“We knew we wanted to start our family but had no idea how complex the process could be. The staff and leadership at Common Sense put our minds at ease and helped us navigate the system with great professionalism and honesty.”

— Craig & Lisa H.

“Going through the adoption process was completely new to us. Navigating something we were unfamiliar with during a high-stress time in our lives was stressful. The team at Common Sense Adoption Services walked alongside us the entire way. They truly cared about us, and it showed.”

— Brian & Nikki C.

“Common Sense is an agency that cares about building families and providing loving environments for kids whether it is for just a few weeks or their forever home. Our family would not be what it is today without them!”

— Scott & Dawn H.

“One of the most difficult parts of becoming a foster parent is taking that first step, but from the first phone call with Common Sense, we knew we would be in good hands. Our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Through every step of our journey, we’ve always felt supported by a team whose compassion and knowledge shines through their work!”

— Ryan & Cheyenne B.

“Being a foster parent is both challenging and rewarding. The support and guidance from Common Sense has helped us tremendously and has given us the confidence to keep our home open. The staff is always ready and willing to help, and because of that we are extremely thankful, and proud to be with Common Sense.”

— Karlin & Caleb P.

“Common Sense Adoption & Foster Care was so easy to work with, and made the process of not only fostering, but adopting from foster care simple. We felt their love and support throughout the entire 2+ year process, through the hard, the sad, and even the happy. They were there helping and guiding us every step of the way. We’d choose them again and again!”

— Ryan & Amanda W.