What are the age requirements to become a foster parent |
- You are eligible if you are at least 21 years old and in good physical and emotional health, and able to handle the everyday respnsibility of caring for a child with special needs.
|
Do I have to be married? |
- You can be married, single, divorced or legally separated.
|
Do I have to own my own home? |
- You don't need a big house or a lot of money to help. You may own, rent, or be in the process of buying a home.
|
Can I work outside of the home? |
- You can work outside of the home and daycare for the foster child(ren) may be paid for by the state.
|
| What are the costs of foster care or adoption? |
- There are no costs. We provide you with the required training and home study which can be accepted for both foster care and adoption. The majority of adoption expenses are covered by adoption subsidy.
|
| Do I have to foster before I adopt? |
- You do not have to become a foster parent before you adopt.
|
| What types of children are in foster care? |
- Children enter foster care because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. If the issues leading to placement in foster care are resolved, children are reunited with their families and return home. If not, children become free for adoption. Children in foster care range in age from 0 to 18 years of age, and come from varying backgrounds and cultures.
|
| Do I have a say in which child is placed in my home? |
- You can specify the issues and behaviors of a child you are comfortable with allowing in your home.
|
| How long will a foster child be in my home? |
- It depends on the child's specific situation.
|
| What type of support services are provided after a child is placed in my foster home? |
- You will receive a monthly maintenance payment for expenses. The amount wil depend on the child's age. Medical and Dental insurance are provided. A small clothing allowance is available. Counseling and therapy are provided if needed. Daycare is provided as long as it is a state licensed daycare facility. Support groups and continuing education training are available to foster and adoptive parents.
|
| What type of training is required to become a foster or adoptive parent? |
- You will need to pass a Child Abuse and Neglect screening and a criminal background check. Thirty hours of in-class training is required, and an additional twelve hours of adoption specific training is required for individuals wishing to adopt. During your training a social worker will be assigned to complete your home study which can be accepted for both foster care and adoption. There is no cost for the required training and home study. Training will cover essential topics such as how children come into foster care, the role of the social service agencies and foster parents, developmental needs of children, loss and grief issues for children in foster care, effective discipline strategies, and crisis management skills.
|
