Interim Care (2023) - Spence-Chapin

INTERIM CARE

Spence- Chapin provides individualized support and counseling for pregnant women and families preparing for adoption. We understand that you may need time and space to decide about the future of your family, especially after the recent birth of a child.

Our Interim Care Providers are here to help. They play an essential role in the work of our organization, by providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for a child while biological parents plan for the future.

If you’re interested in applying for Interim Care for your child or in becoming an Interim Care Provider for countless children, please see how to get started below.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us now!

What is interim care?

Volunteer Interim Care Providers care for a newborn baby in their own homes under the guidance and supervision of Spence-Chapin staff. Each Provider family is screened and certified by the organization. A baby may remain in care for several days or several weeks. The Provider is a person who is dependable, nurturing, committed to making a difference in the life of a child and believes in the mission and values of the organization.

Interim Care Providers are Required to:

Provide a safe and nurturing family atmosphere
Give each infant the attention and care that they need, to promote healthy development and attachment
Document milestones by taking pictures and writing down observations
Attend trainings quarterly
Participate, if requested by Spence-Chapin, in any scheduled visitation with birth parents or adoptive parents
Attend all well-baby visits and medical appointments

Do you need interim care?

Interested in interim care for your baby? Placing your newborn in Interim Care allows biological parents to continue counseling to fully explore your options while knowing your baby is being cared for by a nurturing caregiver in a loving home.

Who is Interim Care for?

Are you pregnant and think you might need more time to consider your options, including parenting and adoption?
Have you recently given birth and need more time to consider adoption for your baby?
Do you need more time while receiving counseling and guidance from Spence-Chapin?
Are you a recent parent feeling overwhelmed and needing time to speak to a counselor about your options?

Request more information by clicking below or calling us at 1-800-321-5683 (LOVE)

Do you want to be an interim care provider?

Interim Care Providers are respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate volunteers who provide excellent loving care to children from all backgrounds. Applicants will have the opportunity to interview with Spence-Chapin staff, and receive training on newborn care, roles and expectations, and other needs of the children. All types of households can apply, including married or unmarried couples, single persons, LGBTQ persons, and parenting or empty-nest households.

Volunteer Guidelines:

Commit to caring for a newborn baby in your home 24/7 for an average of 2-3 weeks when requested.
Reside within the Spence-Chapin service area of 40 miles from New York City, including Long Island, northern New Jersey, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and all New York City boroughs.
Successfully complete Spence-Chapin training and home assessment and maintain training and licensing requirements throughout the program.
Be over age 25.
Have the ability to drive the baby to Spence-Chapin’s Manhattan office when requested, often weekly or bi-weekly.
Understand that families with children under 2 years old already in their home will be considered on a case-by-case basis

FAQS

Why do babies come to Spence-Chapin and need Interim Care?

Spence-Chapin offers free and unbiased options counseling for biological parents around permanency options for their child. We understand that women and their partners need appropriate time and space to make a decision about the future of their family, especially after a recent birth. Placing their newborn in Interim Care allows biological parents to continue counseling to fully explore their options while knowing their baby is being cared for by a nurturing caregiver in a loving home. Birth parents retain their legal rights while the baby is in care and are encouraged to visit their baby. Our services are free for biological parents while they take the days or even a few weeks to make a decision.

Who are the babies in need of interim care?

The boys and girls are infants, from birth to 8 weeks old. New York City is a racially and ethnically diverse city and we work with expectant parents and their children from diverse ethnic, racial, and geographic backgrounds.

What makes an ideal Interim Care family?

Interim Care families are able to provide 24/7 care to a newborn and often have one primary care giver who is retired, taking a break from their career, or not employed. All types of households can apply: married or unmarried couples, single persons, LGBTQ persons, and parenting or empty-nest households. One similarity among families is the desire to provide a safe and loving environment for a child before they find their permanent home. Families have open availability throughout the year, they are able to care for an infant when requested by Spence-Chapin staff.

The primary provider must be available around-the-clock with prior parenting or child care experience. Some providers have a background in the health care field. Most babies are healthy and require general newborn care and attention. Other babies require special attention because of neonatal conditions.

All families within the Spence-Chapin service area who are able to provide loving, safe, 24/7 care to a newborn are welcome to apply.

What type of travel is required?

Interim Care Providers are required to travel with the baby within the NYC tri-state area. We serve families living within 100 miles of New York City, including Northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, Long Island, Connecticut, and New York City.

What health services are provided for the infants?

Spence-Chapin’s board certified pediatricians supervise the health care of the infants. They examine the baby after hospital discharge, perform periodic well-baby exams and a final exam before a child leaves Spence-Chapin’s care. The doctor is on call if a baby requires medical attention or evaluation before a scheduled visit. Infants with special needs are referred to specialists for evaluation. A comprehensive record of the baby’s development is kept. It is not possible for an interim care family to arrange their own medical care for a child in Spence-Chapin’s care.

Are baby supplies provided?

Spence-Chapin provides all supplies for a baby’s care including clothing, diapers, formula etc. as well as reimbursing for transportation costs.

*Please note: Interim Care Providers cannot adopt any child temporarily placed in their home through this program. This is not a path to adoptive parenting.