Application Guidelines

Prior to submitting your first application with us, please contact our Program Manager, Diane Smith-Hoban, MSW to review our guidelines and procedures. 

(P) 484-368-3602, ext. 102

 

Application Guidelines

 

In order to serve area families with the greatest need, Fred’s Footsteps follows these firm guidelines for reviewing applications from social workers and determining funding to families.
  • There must be a demonstrated and direct relationship between the child’s illness/injury and the family’s current financial needs, otherwise not related to previous debt and/or other issues.
  • The child must be seriously or chronically ill at the time of the request and receiving medical treatment, but not necessarily hospitalization.
  • One of the primary caregivers must be employed or have an established work history with any recent change in work status as due to the child’s illness/injury.
  • The child must be younger than the age of 18.
  • The family must live in one of the following counties: Atlantic, Cape May, Lancaster, Northampton, Berks, Chester, Lehigh, Ocean, Bucks, Cumberland, Mercer, Philadelphia, Burlington, Delaware, Montgomery, Salem, Camden, Gloucester, or New Castle.
  • All applications must be completed and submitted by a hospital social worker unless otherwise approved in advance by Fred’s Footsteps. Applications submitted by social work interns must be cosigned by their supervising social worker
If an application is not accepted for funding, there is a mandatory six month waiting period for re-application.

 

Please understand that even if it appears that an applicant meets the basic guidelines for assistance, our resources are limited and therefore we can only award funding to families who best meet our mission.