Who are “families in crisis”? A family in crisis is a family who, as a result of imprisonment, illness or death, is temporarily unable to care for one or more children of the family under the age of five.

Do I have to apply for Jeremiah’s Child services? Yes. Applications for Jeremiah’s Child services are accepted by referral only from the facility the where a parent or legal guardian is incarcerated, from a physician, hospital or other medical provider or from a church or social service agency.

How do I apply? If you are a parent in crisis due to a death, illness, or incarceration, contact one of the above facilities.

How much does it cost? All of the services offered by JC are at no cost to you.

Will I or my family be able to visit my child(ren) while they are in foster care? How often? Once your child is accepted for care with Jeremiah’s Child, you will discuss the expectations of visitations and other contact with a Staff Member and Foster Family. The length and frequency of the visitation will depend upon your particular circumstances, the needs of your child(ren) and the ability of the foster family to meet those needs.

What is the amount of time that I will be able to use Jeremiah’s Child? Jeremiah’s Child is a “temporary” foster care available for up to 24 months.

What happens should I need a longer commitment for foster care? Jeremiah’s Child will work with each case individually to give the guidance and assistance for resources in order to meet the long term goal of stability and permanency, in accordance with your child’s best interests.

Do any of the foster families live outside Central Florida? No. Because Jeremiah’s Child’s location, mission, and licensure is in Central Florida, and Jeremiah’s Child must directly supervise the homes, all of our licensed foster families also live in Central Florida.

How do I get my child back when the foster care services are no longer available? Because Jeremiah’s Child is legally responsible for the safety and welfare of the children in its care, you will need to show that you are in a position to properly provide for your child’s needs at the conclusion of services. If Jeremiah’s child does not believe that your child will be safe and properly cared for when you request his or her return, then you will be advised as to specifically what needs to be done for return of your child. If you are unable or unwilling to address the identified concern(s), then Jeremiah’s Child will be legally obligated to contact the Department of Children and Families to independently assess the risk to the child(ren).

If it appears that you can properly provide for you child’s needs, then return of the child should occur very quickly.