How to Become a Foster Parent

Have you ever bought furniture from your local department store? You know the kind that comes in a box with all the piece and tools. Have you ever gotten home with the item, but the instructions were missing? Of course one always tries to put the furniture together, however after a few minutes the attempt always ends with just a bunch of pieces, that you know make a beautiful dining room table, but you just don’t quite know how to put it all together. Becoming a foster parent is exactly like this. The process requires many pieces but when put together makes one “the ultimate neighbor.”

Children who need foster parents have been taken out of their homes temporarily, for a variety of different reasons. Some reasons are neglect, abuse, abandonment, or other issues endangering their health and/or safety reports adopting.org. Foster parents provide a safe, temporary home for a child in crisis. They are part of the child’s support, treatment, and care programs while they and/or their families get back on their feet. Beth Graze a social worker for the Division of Social Services in Missouri said, “The system is already full of children without parents as it is.” For other statistics on the foster care system and more please continue reading.

Another question that arises is who can become a foster parent. The answer is simple, anyone of any race or religion, preferably between the ages of 21 and 65. Being under 65 is preferred, but not required. Couples can apply to become foster parents, but singles are welcome to become foster parents as well. A foster parent must have a stable income, and can own or rent their home. A foster must also be willing to participate in free training and assessment, and partner with the child’s family and a professional team where he/she is willing to voice concerns.

The foster parents program is a federal program. Funding is available. Medical and Dental insurance is provided to children in the state’s custody. Parents receive a monthly foster care reimbursement to help cover the costs related to caring for a foster child. Amounts vary depending on age of the child, level of care being provided, and the training level of the foster parents.

The Children’s Division, contracted agencies, and other community-based organizations offer continuing education and in-service training to help foster families.

How do I become a Foster Parent?

The first step in becoming a foster parent is to contact the state Division of Social Services. After a few minutes on the Missouri Division of Social Services website, it becomes clear that Adair County is part of the 2nd Circuit, which includes Adair, Lewis, and Knox Counties. Furthermore, in Adair County Melissa Perry is the lady to contact. Her address is 412 N Osteopathy, P.O. Box 670, Kirksville MO 63501. She can be reached by phone 660-665-2440. Through contacting Ms Perry one gains access to the second step in becoming a foster parent.

The next step is the application. While this application is lengthy, it is crucial. Every bit of information regardless of the tedious, minute detail is extremely important and useful. The detailed intimate application is an important first step in protecting foster children. While there is no right or wrong answer to any question, the answers help the reviewer to weed out foster parents that may not be a good fit for foster parenting.

After the application is received, reviewed, and approved, a home study is the next step. The home study includes many in home inspections and evaluations. These inspections and evaluations cover many aspects that are important to the foster child’s safety and needs. A home study also includes many background and criminal checks. Often everyone over the age of twelve is fingerprinted and given a background check.

The next step is the final step; it is also the most involved step. The applicant must go through a nine week training course. During this course the applicant will learn many aspect of being a foster parent, including emotional, physical, mental, and psychological.

Finally, after a lengthy process including an application, a home study, and a training course, you become a certified foster parent. A foster parent is the ultimate neighbor; a beautiful piece of furniture.