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Frequently Asked QuestionsAdoptionDonatingEmploymentFamily ServicesFoster CareOutpatient Mental HealthVolunteeringContact us if you have other questions What does our name mean?Esther Swigart, Bethanna's founder, named Bethanna after her mother. Our name literally means "House of Grace." Is Bethanna an orphanage?No, Bethanna is a nonprofit social services agency that supports youth and families during difficult and often traumatic life experiences. As one of the largest regional agencies, Bethanna serves over 2,000 infants, children and teenagers annually. We offer community-based programs and services that focus on these primary goals: safety, permanency and well-being of our constituents. Where do the children come from who are placed at Bethanna?As one of the largest regional agencies, Bethanna serves over 2,000 infants, children and teenagers annually. We extend programs and services to children of all ages, faiths and walks of life. The majority of Bethanna's population are referred through public agencies or private sources, such as family, churches, schools or other ministry organizations located primarily in the south central and southeastern regions of Pennsylvania. What counties does Bethanna serve?Bethanna has four offices strategically located throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Bethanna's programs and services serve children and families in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. Where does Bethanna receive its funding?Our funding sources include individual donors, churches, civic organizations, foundation grants, personal estates and reimbursement for contract services. Adoption How can I determine if adoption if appropriate for me?Click here and take our Adoption Quiz. How am I matched with a specific child?If your family profile is approved, Bethanna will provide matching services. After an assessment, you will be matched with the type of child who would be appropriate for you. How long does it take to adopt a child?Is it expensive to adopt?When adopting from the foster care system, costs for a family are minimal. Attorney fees are usually paid by the county that has custody of the child. Most children are eligible for an adoption subsidy which might include a daily reimbursement, as well as medical coverage. The adoptive family is responsible for providing a complete physical for every one over age 18 living in the home. For private adoptions, the adoptive family is responsible for the costs of child abuse and criminal history clearances, physical examinations for each applicant, adoption family profile, attorney fees, and other related paperwork. What does an older adoption cost?Older child adoptions are usually state-funded, which means you may not have to pay agency fees. Medical subsidies and financial assistance may be available until a child reaches age 18, regardless of the family's income. Tax credits may be available as well. Donating What kind of donations does Bethanna need for its continuing operation?Bethanna is a charitable 501(3) organization. Funds for operation and capital expenses are forms of donation a Can I make a donation on behalf of a family members, co-worker or friend?You can make a "Memorial" donation or as a "Tribute" to someone. Bethanna will mail an acknowledgement card to your recipient announcing the donation made by you. You will also receive a card acknowledging your gift. Who do I call if I have questions about an online donation?Bethanna's Development Office at or 800.304.6500. Does Bethanna accept donations of clothes, cars or other in-kind gifts?What should I do if the program that I want to designate my donation is not listed?If you don't see a specific fund listed, please contact Bethanna's Development Office at or 800.304.6500. Why do you require my email address?Your email address is required to immediate acknowledgement of your gift. Details of your tax-deductible donation are included in the email which you can print or file for in your records. Employment What is the job application process?What are the steps involved with the background clearances?Are there summer or fall internships?A limited number of internships are open for college-level students. Contact Human Resources to obtain application form and for more information. Family Services How frequently are parenting classes taught?What counties does the Family Visitation Program operate?Foster Care Why are foster families Can I adopt my foster child?Adoption of foster children is possible under certain circumstances. Bethanna's primary goal is reunification of children with their biological parents. In the event reunification does not occur, a permanent family is identified through adoption or permanent legal guardianship. All members of the foster care family must be committed to taking on the extra responsibility of foster children. They must be willing to participate in a family assessment, become licensed through the state, and follow the licensing rules of the state. Ongoing educational training is a required part of becoming a member of our team. Foster families need to be flexible enough to accommodate weekly counseling and visitation appointments for the children and their parents, as well as other commitments expected in caring for a child. Since foster care is a shared experience between the biological parents and the foster parents, a working relationship between the biological and foster parents may be necessaryFoster families need to be flexible enough to accommodate weekly counseling and visitation appointments for the children and their parents, as well as other commitments expected in caring for a child. Since foster care is a shared experience between the biological parents and the foster parents, a working relationship between the biological and foster parents may be necessary Who is eligible for respite care?All adoptive, kinship and permanent legal custodian families can request this service. Outpatient Mental Health Who is eligible for Outpatient Care?Children ages 3 to 21 who have experienced trauma or exposure to violence, are involved in the child welfare system, have been in inpatient or residential care, and other factors. What treatment services are available?Outpatient Mental Health supports children and parents through services that include individual and family therapy, medication evaluation and monitoring, crisis intervention, and clinical case monitoring. What happens when more intensive services are necessary?Children are referred to Bethanna's Clinical Transition and Stabilization Services and other programs in the region that provide the level of care needed to achieve stability. Children with special needs, such as autism, moderate intellectual deficiencies, are referred to specialized programs. Volunteering Are there opportunities to volunteer?Yes, there is a limited number of volunteer opportunities to work directly with the children. There are also opportunities to help on our four campuses. the home with other functions on the campus proper. Contact Human Resources for more information. Can we take pictures at events?To protect the privacy of the children and their families, taking photographs is prohibited. That includes publicizing your group activity on your website, bulletin board and group presentations. |
