FOSTER PARENT INQUIRY

You can have a significant impact on a person's life. Being a foster parent is a commitment and should be taken seriously. Therefore, our screening process is thorough. It matters to us that we provide quality, long term care and create lasting relationships. The most important factor in the success of each person, is the people who care for them and the home environment they provide.  Each person will be matched with the best suitable option available to them.  The young people we serve are human beings and are not products to be exchanged nor given up on.   

• Foster Parents may be single or legally married aged 18 or older.  Couples who are not legally married are unable to be licensed.  
• Foster Parents can own or rent their homes.  
• Foster Parents and all persons aged 18 and older living in the home must pass a background check investigation.
• Foster Parents must be US citizens or legal residents.
• Foster Parents need to be financially stable and able to support their family without relying on the foster care reimbursement.  (Income verification will be requested via form of W2 or paycheck stubs)   
• Foster parents need to be healthy to care for a child(ren), as determined by their own medical provider.
• Foster Parents must have a vehicle with vehicle insurance.

To become a foster parent it can take 1 to 9 weeks. That depends on you! In that time you will begin the learning and licensing process of foster parenting.

This process consists of the following procedures; 

1. Call our Office at 801-474-2500, 
2. Complete an Application and Interview,
3. a Background Check Investigation (All adults 18+ older),
4. Complete "Things to Do While Waiting for your BCI" checklist,
5. Begin Pre-Service and Policies and Procedures Training, 
6. Schedule First Aid/CPR Training,
7. Schedule Home Study Assessment and Safety Inspection,
8. Schedule Final Interview with Program Coordinator. 

At first, this process can be challenging and very frustrating. We ask for your patience because it is in the best interest of the young people we serve. We want to ensure that when you join our company, you and your home are prepared.  

A Home Study is an intensive narrative assessment for the benefit of the child, not the foster parents.  It is performed to ensure that you would be capable and appropriate to supervise and care for the child's mental health, physical, emotional and developmental needs. Be prepared to walk through your life from birth to your current situation. 

A Safety Inspection ensures that the home is safe and free from hazards.  You will be given a Safety Inspection Checklist as part of your "Things to Do While Waiting for Your BCI" checklist that instructs you how to comply with the safety inspection. 

What is Foster Care?

Foster care is the temporary placement of children and youth with families outside of their own home due to unfavorable circumstances such as abuse and neglect. The goal is to provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment.  

What is a Foster Parent?

A foster parent accepts and cares for children/youth who have entered the foster care system.  Foster parents are willing and able to provide care and nurturing for the duration of the child's stay in foster care.  You offer all the physical, mental and emotional needs as if they were your own children, with the help of the agency. 

How long will children/youth be in our home?

The length of a placement varies. However, our average length of placement is 9 to 18 months.

Do I get to choose who gets placed in my home?

Yes, to an extent. We do our best to match your parenting and home environment to the child. The placement coordinator has 20 years experience and has an 85% success rate of placement match. 

How is a child or youth placed in our home?

The placement coordinator will share the child's background and discuss with you if this child would be a good fit in your home. It is  important for the family and child to accept this journey together. 

Is there Compensation given to Foster Parents? 

Foster Parents receive a monthly stipend (a.k.a reimbursed) for the care and supervision for the children they serve. Foster Parents receive the stipend after the child has spent a calendar month in your home. The stipend (a.k.a reimbursement) is distributed according to the needs of the child and based on your performance and experience. This is not an income. 

Do they receive Clothing Allowance and Personal Needs?

Yes. The child receives money for clothing allowance and personal needs.   

What about Medical and Dental Insurance?

Yes. They have medical and dental insurance.  There is no cost to you.