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Learn more about how you can become a foster parent and change a child’s life today.

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What is foster care?

Foster Care Videos

Do you have questions on becoming a foster parent? Check out our library of videos on questions and concerns that you might have.

Why be a foster parent?

Why did you want to become a foster parent?

The most important qualities to have if you are a foster parent.

How do I become a KidsPeace foster parent?

The application process involves five or six conveniently scheduled visits to your home over a 10 to 12 week period of time. Staff members gather paperwork, interview all family members, inspect the home for safety and fully explain the responsibilities of foster parenting. Our careful screening process helps you determine whether or not foster parenting is right for you, and, if yes, helps us match just the right child to your home.

What qualities should I posses to become a foster parent?

Generally, our most successful foster parents are open-minded, dependable, patient, and willing, to learn new parenting styles for children with different needs. Having a flexible schedule, being tolerant of change, and demonstrating the ability to follow our guidelines are all important qualities for success.

Do I need any special training or a special foster parenting license?

Yes, in some states, you will be required to be licensed, and in other states, you’ll just need special training. In either case, we’ll provide everything you will need, including: orientation to the program, ongoing trainings, regular in-person support, twenty-four hour on-call support availability and other tools to help you learn and develop your skills along the way.

Do you offer financial compensation?

Yes, KidsPeace provides compensation to cover room and board costs of foster children. Your local office can explain the current rate structure and payment system. This money is provided to cover such expenses as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, recreation and allowance, and should not be considered income. You will not be responsible for your foster child’s medical costs. KidsPeace does not have a minimum income requirement. However, your income must be earned and should be sufficient to meet the financial needs of your family.

How long will a child stay in my home?

This varies depending on the needs of the child and the circumstances of his or her placement. Some children are returned home after only a few months; others after a year or so. Sometimes, children who can’t go home become eligible for adoption; others remain in foster care until age 18.

Where will my foster child come from?

Children are placed through child protective agencies across your state. They may enter your home directly from their family of origin’s home, another foster home or from a more restrictive setting such as a residential facility.

What kinds of kids will you place in my home?

When it comes to foster children, one size does not fit all. There’s no typical foster child: some kids are stepping down from residential treatment; some have developmental delays; some have suffered unspeakable abuse; some have never been required to follow the rules of society; some have built walls around themselves to keep out the hurt; and some have lost their beloved homes and families. Most will undergo counseling and therapy while in foster care. It won’t be easy to help a child who has known such pain and upheaval, but we’ll train you extensively on how to handle the specific needs of your foster child.

Will I get to meet the child before he or she moves in with me?

Sometimes. If time allows, we try to arrange pre-placement visits so you can meet ahead of time. In many cases, however, a child’s need for a foster home is urgent, and you won’t be able to meet your foster child until he or she arrives at your door.

Where are services offered?
Who’s on the team?

Kinship Foster Care

What is Kinship Foster Care?

Kinship care is often considered the least restrictive level in out-of-home placements. A Kinship caregiver completes an expedited licensing or approval process while the adjudicated dependent child resides in the home.  At the conclusion of the home study, the kinship caregiver and their home environment must meet the state’s minimum regulatory requirements for general foster family (AKA Resource Family) approval.   

Kinship caregivers who meet requirements to become a Resource Family at KidsPeace are provided with specialized training, ongoing resources in the home and community, and support in their homes in order to best meet those needs.

Traditional Foster Care

What is Traditional Foster Care?

Traditional foster care is the first level of foster care for children who are not able to remain at home because of unsafe parenting or home environments. Reuniting children with families is a primary focus of the care team, and there are frequent visitations scheduled between the child and their family during this time, often at a neutral location.  

Sibling groups and younger children are commonly referred to this level of care while their parents focus on resolving the issues that led to the foster care placement. 

Sometimes, it’s determined that children in traditional foster care cannot return home after all, and the Resource parents may be given first consideration as a permanent resource.

Therapeutic Foster Care

What is Therapeutic Foster Care?

Children who benefit from Therapeutic Foster Care have endured trauma and are in need of supports such as counseling and/or medication to help them heal while in safe, nurturing foster homes. Our therapeutic foster care program trains qualified foster parents to understand and help change these challenging behaviors so the youth can grow and thrive. We all work closely with local social services to ensure safety, well-being and permanency for our children. There is 24-hour on-call support, and placements can also be made around the clock.

Respite Foster Care

What is Respite Care?

Respite care, usually offered for a weekend, involves caring for a child who’s in an out-of-home situation when the Resource family needs substitute care for the child. Respite parents must meet all home study and training requirements. Some families start out providing respite care to determine if foster parenting is right for their household.  

Foster Care Resources

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