What is Foster Care?

Foster care provides a temporary, safe home for children in crisis. Foster parents are part of the child's support, treatment, and care programs. They are partners of the child's social worker, teachers, and doctors. Being a foster / proctor or professional parent is not a passive act of opening one's home and providing food, clothing, and shelter. It is a proactive statement of nurturing, advocacy, and love.

What are the requirements for becoming a Foster Parent?

• Perspective foster parents and their babysitters must be BCI approved and cleared by the Department of Human Services. This is done at the expense of the agency and takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for clearance. Anyone living in the home who is 18 years of age or older must also be fingerprinted and cleared. Please note that all foster children, regardless of age, may not be left unsupervised in the certified home without an exception granted by community care licensing. The foster children can only be supervised by a cleared adult 18 years of age or older
• All foster parents are then required to complete a 25 hour foster parent certification training class. This is conducted by the agency at no expense to you. A training is offered once a month. The certification class covers topics such as: foster parent responsibilities, child abuse reporting, CPS and the court system, agency policies and procedures, the types of children in the system, and what kinds of behaviors to expect and how these behaviors are addressed.
• All foster parents must be CPR and First Aid certified. Water safety certification is required for those who have a pool and/or spa.
• All foster parents must have a health screening (physical) from a doctor to verify that there are no physical conditions preventing you from becoming a foster parent. A negative TB test is also required.
• All foster parents are required to submit a budget report demonstrating adequate financial resources to maintain the family. The goal here is to show that you are not in need of foster care dollars to support your family.
• All foster parents must have adequate space in their home or apartment. Only 2 children can be in one room. A child 5 years of age or older can only share a room with another child of the same sex. A child 2 years of age or under can share a room with the foster parent.
• The foster home must meet licensing regulations. A list of requirements is included in your application process. PYACS also has a staff member available to help you through this process if necessary.
• If you have cats or dogs in the home, a copy of their rabies vaccinations is required.

What does PYACS look for when assessing families who want to become Foster Parents?

First, and most importantly, we are looking for families that are committed to helping children and that can love and nurture children without hesitation. We are also looking for families who are flexible, patient, understanding and able to work as team members in the best interest of children.

What are the characteristics of a successful Foster Family?

What is PYACS' process for certification?

Once a person has decided that they want to be a certified foster/proctor or professional parent, an individual meeting is scheduled between you and the Program Coordinator. During this meeting you are interviewed and asked a series of questions. The Program Coordinator will provide you with the application packet needed to begin the certification process. Your livescan/child abuse index check will immediately be process through BCI verification. You will then receive confirmation of the 24 hour foster parent certification classe once you have completed the class, the application process, and your clearances have been received, a homestudy will be conducted by the agency Certified Social Worker. This is scheduled to take place at your home for your convenience. Upon completion of the homestudy, a home inspection will be scheduled. This is the final step before you are licensed as a certified foster family. After licensing, you are added to the agency's availabilty list pending placement of your first foster child.

How long does it take to get certified?

The certification process depends on how quickly you complete and return your paperwork along with how quickly the livescan/child abuse index clearances come back.

Will I recieve financial assistance to care for the child?

Yes. You will receive a monthly stipend for each foster child that is placed in your home. The amount of that stipend varies depending on the age of the child. PYACS also provides an additional clothing allotment for the child every Month.

Who pays for the child's medical care?

The State. Each child comes with Medicaid to meet all of their medical and dental care needs.

Can I adopt the Foster Child?

Possibly. The goal of foster care is to reunify foster children with their biological families. If this is not possible, the State or County begins their search by asking the current foster family if they are interested in adopting the child.

How can I find out more information on becoming a Foster Parent?

Call PIONEER YOUTH & ADULT COMMUNITY SERVICES

(801) 474-2500.

 

You may also submit your information via our Contact Form and we will contact you.