Ways To Foster
There are various ways to foster. Learn more!
Kinship Care: Relatives and Supportive Adults
Family members such as grandparents are often asked to care for a relative’s child. Almost half of children placed in out of home care are placed with a relative or a person known to the child and/or the child’s family. If you have been asked to care for a relative’s child, contact us so we can get you the information and resources available to you and the child.
Traditional Foster Care
Individuals who meet the requirements and complete the training to become a foster parent can care for any child, teen, or sibling group in state custody for an undetermined amount of time. Foster parents provide care and support for children until a permanent plan is implemented. They should be committed to working in partnership with birth family members and child welfare professionals, as well as completing ongoing training requirements. If you think fostering may be right for you, please contact us!
Specialized, Therapeutic, or Medical Foster Care
Many children who enter foster care have experienced traumatic stress such as abuse, neglect, or other family challenges. Some children also have significant medical conditions or intellectual and developmental delays. These children need specialized care from trained professionals and caregivers to heal from trauma and develop their social and independent living skills.
Emergency Foster Care
Children can enter state custody on any given day, at any given time; therefore, child welfare professionals must work day and night to find suitable placement options for children. Emergency caregivers provide short-term care for children placed in protective state custody, usually 72 business hours, until a relative or foster family placement is found. (Emergency Short-Term)
Respite Care
Just like any parent, foster parents need time to rest and recharge from providing ongoing daily care of a child. Respite caregivers provide short-term care, typically evening or weekend care, for a child currently living with another foster family. Providing respite care is a great way to see if foster parenting is right for you. (Planned Short-Term)
If you would like someone to email you about fostering, click here or call 360-313-7658!