Frequently Asked Questions and Answers  About          Foster Parenting 

What qualifications are needed to become a Foster Parent?

• You may be a single or married adult.
• You may have limited or extensive experience with children.
• You may be a home owner or you may rent your home.
• You may be working or not but you must be financially self sustaining.

What is required before becoming a Foster Parent?

You much pass the following screening:

• A criminal background check
• A general health and TB test
• All state licensing requirements 

You must possess the following:

• A valid driver’s license
  
• a currently registered and insured passenger vehicle 

You must complete the following: 

• A home inspection, home study and personal interviews 
• Foster Parent orientation and pre-certification training
  

What qualities do you look for when selecting a foster parent?

• Ability to work in a team environment
• Willingness to learn new parenting techniques and participate in ongoing training
• Sensitivity to ethnic, religious and cultural diversity
• Be emotionally stable and free from drug and alcohol problems
• Willingness to work with a wide range of needs and behaviors in a positive, constructive manner
• Ability to show empathy to children with diverse needs
• Ability to provide well defined structure
• Provide stimulating activities for children
• Should enjoy spending time with children
• Families should have a natural support system

What type of training will I receive?

Initial training courses prior to certification include the following 36 hours of instruction:

• Orientation to Foster Parenting
• The Family Care Training—Improve effective communication
• Pro Act—Crisis de-escalation techniques
• CPR/First Aid/Community Water Safety
• Confidentiality/HIPAA  
• Building Self-Esteem

Additional training after certification include:

• Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care Training (ITFC) which involves 20 hours of study materials, including CDs, DVDs and reading material to be reviewed on your own time.

Specialty foster care programs include:

• Up to ten hours specific training from a program supervisor

Ongoing training includes 24 hours per year of classes and self study combined. Foster parent training is also offered through the Department of Social Services, community colleges, and other agencies. Books, audio tapes and video tapes may be checked out at Family Care Network.

How long does the application process take? 

There are many steps in becoming a certified foster parent, so the process can take two or more months, depending on how quickly criminal record clearances are received from the state and how quickly required forms, interviews and training sessions are completed.  

Do we have a choice regarding who is placed in our home?

Before a family is contacted with a referral, the Family Care Network carefully considers the abilities and preferences expressed by each foster family and the specific needs of the child at the time.

• Before becoming a Foster Parent you will be asked your preference regarding the age and gender of the child you feel most comfortable caring for.  
• You will receive as much information as is available about each child so you can better understand the child’s needs.  
• Please note: It may not always be possible to meet the child before placement. On occasion a placement coordinator can request this meeting if you ask for one 

• Foster parents are encouraged to ask questions and express their feelings before taking a placement. 

• Our goal is to keep children in as few placements as possible, but we appreciate a thoughtful decision even if you say “no” to the placement 

• The final decision for placement is made by the clinical supervisor with the approval of the foster parents and the foster child.

What if the placement is not successful? 

Placements are made carefully to reduce moving the children multiple homes. However, there are times when placements require adjustments for the benefit of the child and/or the foster family.  FCNI staff will work closely with those involved in implementing the best possible solution including a change of placement when necessary. 

How long is placement? 

The length a child is in a foster home is determined on an individual basis, but most FCNI foster placements are less than one year. We want our Foster Parents to make at least a one year commitment, but some foster parents choose to permanently adopt their children. 

Will I need to provide the child with his/her own bedroom?

Foster children are not required to have their own bedroom, but

• State regulations require that ONLY TWO children may occupy one room.
• Children must be of the SAME gender if they are over five years old and sharing a room. 
• Each child needs his/her own bed, dresser and sufficient closet space. 
• A foster child MAY NOT share a room with an adult unless they are under age two

How is health care paid for the foster child? 

All of our foster children have medical and dental coverage. Additionally, it is required to keep every foster child current on all of his/her annual medical and dental appointments and vaccinations. FCNI Staff will assist you in this process.  

How is the compensation rate determined? 

The Family Care Network provides excellent foster parent support based on a state-assigned, tax free rate structure. Support depends on the child’s age, the program s/he is placed in and any special needs the child may have.

How can the compensation be used? 

The funds are provided to support the care and maintenance of the foster child.  The usual and customary expenses include: food, clothing, personal hygiene supplies, allowance, school supplies, childcare, recreation, transportation, housing and utilities.

Do the children have contact with their biological/adoptive parent(s)?

Reunification/permanent placement is the law; however, the process is often slow and thoughtful. When it is appropriate for a foster child to have visits with his/her biological family, agency’s staff will coordinate the visits. Usually, the progression moves from supervised visits to approved unsupervised visits, to overnight or longer visits. The names and addresses of our foster parents always remain confidential. 

Can I take a foster child to my place of worship? 

The Family Care Network encourages you to include the foster child in your family’s acidities, including religious activities. The child has the right to attend a church of his/her choosing or to refuse to participate in any religious activity. Every effort is made by the agency’s staff to place children in homes compatible with their belief system. 

What about the educational needs of the children?  

The Family Care Network Education Coordinator assists the foster parents in enrolling the child in a public educational program suited to his/her educational needs. Once the child is enrolled, it is the foster parent’s responsibility to supervise the child’s attendance and monitor his/her progress. Agency staff maintain on-going communication with the school, teachers to help keep the child on-track academically and behaviorally. The agency can also provide the student with a volunteer tutor if needed.

What are the responsibilities of a foster parent? 

Family Care Network foster parents have an important role as professional members a child’s treatment team. Some foster parent responsibilities include

• Provide a safe, caring, healthy home environment
• Maintain open communication with Family Care Network staff
• Work closely with our clinical staff on treatment issues and implementing case plans
• Participate regularly in training programs
• Keep your child’s file up-to-date with case notes, health information, etc.
• Provide normal transportation for health care, school functions, clothes shopping, etc.
• Assist child in setting and reaching goals
• Provide adult supervision of children in the foster home

Interested in foster parenting?  Click here to contact our Foster Family Development Specialist.