FAQ
What are some of the requirements for becoming a Foster Parent?
Foster Parents must meet their state’s standards for licensure, including background checks and home studies. Typically,
- Foster Parents must be in good health and have the physical energy and ability to care for the children placed in their care;
- The Foster Parent’s home must have adequate space and meet standards for health, safety, sanitation, and fire prevention; and,
- Once the prospective Foster Parent meets the minimum licensing standards, he or she will be invited to attend a formal foster parent training course.
What is a Professional Foster Parent?
In addition to providing 24-hour care to the children placed in your home, with Neighbor To Family you become part of a professional team. It requires being an active partner with other Neighbor to Family staff, biological parents, school and medical facility personnel, and others who serve as necessary resources for the child.
Some of the tasks Professional Foster Parents must be able and willing to do include, but are not limited to,
- Accepting the program’s treatment philosophy – to provide services to sibling groups and their families, in the effort to reunify children with their families whenever possible – and the ability to carry out this philosophy;
- Facilitating visitation between children and families and allowing visitation to occur in their homes when deemed appropriate by the team;
- Participating in 40 hours of in-service training per year;
- Participating in case staff/assessment meetings on a regular basis; and,
- Embracing the importance of working closely with birth parents.
As a Professional Foster Parent, you become an employee of Neighbor to Family. In addition to a salary, other benefits include health benefits, a paid vacation, 24-hour support and consultation, and free in-service training.
Is there help or support available to a Foster Parent?
In addition to the salary paid to a Neighbor To Family’s professional parent, he/she also receive their state’s room & board rate for children placed in their homes. Non-professional foster parents receive only the room & board rate. All foster children are eligible for Medicaid and other types of assistance. Neighbor To Family foster parents can also access support from other team members on 24/7 basis.
As a Foster Parent, how can I make a difference?
You’ll make a difference by helping the children in your care move toward better physical, mental and emotional health and a more permanent living environment.
For more information about joining Neighbor To Family's team contact the program in your state:
Daytona Beach, FL: |
386-248-0712 404-315-0100 786-433-4716 410-496-8151 828-452-0729 512-577-3924 757-213-1580 |
