18
How do I become a Foster Parent?
Who Can Be a Foster Parent?
There is a huge need for foster parents, so you may be relieved to know that almost anyone can become a foster parent. You can be: single, married, retired, any race or religion, a renter, a working parent.
There are some basic requirements and these vary from state to state. It is important that you are able to provide proof of income to demonstrate that you can care yourself without foster care susidy. Some other state guidelines might include bedroom sizes, safety standards for the home, and/or number of children allowed in the home.
Becoming a Foster Parent: Step by Step
1) Think about whether you would be able to care for children in your home for months or even years and then say goodbye to them and return them to their parents, who may have abused them in the past.
2) Consider your family. If you have children at home, will they be able to handle the changes foster children will bring to the home?
3) Understand that you need to have time to care for foster children. If you are very busy, you may not be able to devote the necessary amount of time.
4) Know that although foster parents receive financial compensation, it is not a way to get rich or even make some extra money. Many foster parents find that they spend more money caring for the children than they receive from the state.
5) Contact any one of the local agencies below to attend Foster Parent Orientation and PRIDE Training. PRIDE training is required to become a licensed foster or adoptive parent. PRIDE training schedules vary widely from agency to agency. Be sure to find one that will work best with your schedule.
Alternatives for Children and Families – www.acfinc.org – 810.250.3800 – Nate Spears
Orientation – Call for current schedule
Pride Training – Call for current schedule
Catholic Charities – www.catholiccharitiessg.org – 810.232.9950 – Heady Geist
Orientation – Every Wednesday, 4:00-6:00pm
Pride Training – CC Pride Training Schedule
Lutheran Social Services – www.lssm.org – 810.234.9324 – Sheryl Kelly
Orientation – Call for current schedule
Pride Training – Call for current schedule
Wolverine Human Services – www.wolverinehs.org – 810.234.0489 – Barbara Clerebout
October 2011: Saturday, 10/8/11 9:00AM – 3:00PM Orientation, PRIDE 1 & 2 (lunch provided)
Saturday, 10/22/11 9:00AM – 3:00PM PRIDE 3 & 4 (lunch provided)
Tuesday, 10/25/11 5:30Pm – 8:30PM PRIDE 6
November 2011: Saturday, 11/05/11 9:00AM – 3:00PM Orientation, PRIDE 1 & 2 (lunch provided)
Saturday, 11/19/11 9:00AM – 3:00PM PRIDE 3 & 4 (lunch provided)
Tuesday, 11/22/11 5:30PM – 8:30PM PRIDE 6
December 2011: Saturday, 12/03/2011 9:30AM – 12:30AM Orientation
6) Begin the application process with your local agency. Be prepared for some tough questions about your lifestyle, your abilities and your motives.
7) Allow agency workers to inspect your home – through both scheduled and unscheduled visits.
8) Be prepared to make changes to your home to make it safe or appropriate for foster children.
9) Believe that helping a child who needs a home is one of the greatest and most unselfish ways you can make a difference in the world.
15
Foster Your Future
Community Life Skills Program for Aging-out Youth
Foster Your Future is a community life skills program for youth ages 14-18 that are aging out of the foster care system.
The program provides instructional sessions, hands-on activities, group counseling, and community field trips relating to topics such as: Self Image, Communication Skills, Community Connections & Resources, Sexual Health, Substance Abuse, Boundaries & Emotional Health, Study Skills, Goal Setting, College Education, Job Readiness Training & Mock Interviews, Money Management, Food/Nutrition & Cooking, Housing Resources, Transportation Resources.
The program is currently being restructured for 2011. Dates will be announced soon!
15
Care Kits
Many children come into foster care with nothing but the clothes on their back or a garbage bag of clothes that are too small, dirty or badly worn. In response, Foster Hope has developed Care Kits for children entering foster care. Care Kits enable foster parents to spend the first few days focusing on helping their new children adjust, instead of running around to get necessary clothing and supplies.
If you are a foster parent in need of a Care Kit, please call (810) 936-5702 or e-mail: carekits@ifosterhope.com
INFANT (0-24mth) Care Kits contain: 2 outfits, 1 pair of pajamas, 2 pair of socks, diapers, wipes, bottle, plus more as available!
CHILD (3t-6x) Care Kits contain: 2 outfits, 1 pair of pajamas, 2 pair of socks, 2 pair of undies, toothbrush, toothpaste, plus more as available!
YOUTH (7-XL) Care Kits contain: 1 pair of pajamas, 2 pair of socks, 2 pair of undies, toothbrush, toothpaste, plus more as available!
A special THANK YOU to The Freedom Center Baby Closet and friends of Foster Hope for donating the items and finances to make these kits possible!
Have new or gently used items to give? Just call or email! All donations are tax deductible.
