Children's Division continues to seek foster parents

As Foster Care Month comes to a close, the Children's Division continues its quest for more foster parents in the area.

Both emergency foster homes (homes where foster children can be placed at a moment's notice at any time, including weekends and holidays; usually for short terms) and regular, longer -term foster homes are needed in Vernon County, according to John McGinnis of the Children's Division.

Those considering becoming foster parents often have many questions -- the most common of which appear below, with their answers.

What is foster care?

Foster care is a temporary placement for children without parental care due to abuse or neglect. Foster families provide a safe and nurturing home while the parents receive supportive services to regain custody of their children.

What is adoption?

Adoption is the permanent option for children who have been in foster care. Children are legally free for adoption only after the court has terminated the parental rights of the birth parents.

Who are the children in state care, in foster care or awaiting adoption?

Children in state care range in age from 9 to 21 and frequently are part of a sibling group that must remain together. More than half are of minority descent. Some of these children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities ranging from mild to severe. Children enter foster care due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. All have endured the trauma of being separated from their families. Just as each child is an individual, the challenges vary in meeting their needs, but they all need patience, understanding and unconditional love.

Do I have to be married?

No. Foster and adoptive parents are married couples, single or divorced.

Do I have to own my own home?

Foster and adoptive parents do not have to own a home; in fact, many foster or adoptive parents rent their place of residence. Foster and adoptive parents must be able to maintain their residence.

What are the costs of becoming a foster or adoptive parent?

There is little to no cost involved in becoming a foster or adoptive parent. The home assessment and training is provided by the state free of charge. The majority of adoption expenses are covered by the state.

Do I have a choice in which children are placed in my home?

Together with a representative of the Children's Division, a child preference and parenting assessment is completed during the initial licensure of the home. Individual parenting skills and the capacity of the home is matched with the information provided in regard to child preferences. This allows the agency to identify when the parent is most likely to meet the unique needs of a child in the state's care. The assessment process is on-going and part of the continuing licensure process. It is crucial that homes be identified that will best meet the parenting needs of the children in care. Even if the home is identified as suitable for a specific child, foster and adoptive parents have the option to decline the placement.

What type of support services are provided after a child is placed in my home?

Foster parents receive a monthly maintenance payment to help cover the costs of caring for their foster children. Medicaid is provided by the state for the child's medical, psychological and dental needs. Foster parents and adoptive parents, who are employed or enrolled in school full time, may be able to receive child care services. Visitation plans for children and their families also are part of the supportive services offered to families in order to maintain relationships and preserve those essential connections that are so important to a child's development and the process of reunification.

What are the age requirements to become a foster or adoptive parent?

The minimum age is 21. There is no maximum age limit.

What are the training requirements for becoming foster or adoptive parents?

Specialized Training Assessment, Resources, Support and Skills training is a 27-hour preservice training program that is required of both foster and adoptive parents. Professional foster parents are required to complete 30 hours of inservice training during their two-year licensure period. In two-parent homes, both parents must complete the required number of training hours. An additional 12 hours of training is required for individuals or couples wishing to adopt.

Do I have to foster before I can adopt?

No.

For more information on how to become a foster parent, call the Children's Division, at (417) 448-1100.