Choosing an Agency
So you've decided to look into it [fostering]. Now what? You've Googled, huh?! Don't worry, been there done that!
You googled "fostering in [insert your city]" and your results: 25768 agencies, organizations, resources, horrible pictures of abused children, etc. Now, which link should you click on?!
You googled "fostering in [insert your city]" and your results: 25768 agencies, organizations, resources, horrible pictures of abused children, etc. Now, which link should you click on?!
Start by searching for a more specific CHILD PLACING AGENCY (CPA)
*Tip* If you are a Christian I highly recommend a Christian CPA. It is very important to have a Christian agency that your comfortable with to help counsel and cover your family in prayer during the trials and victories of your foster care journey.
First, find a CPA that serves YOUR area! Most CPAs have the area that they cover listed by city on their web site or you can call your local DFPS office to find out which region you live in.
Find a CPA that meets your basic needs and has similar morals, you can often find their mission statements, or the CPA "about me" section on their websites or call and ask!
After you check the CPA's requirements and you know you meet them all it is important that YOU interview the CPA, after all you will be working closely with them in very high stress situations.
Questions you may want to ask when you call or interview the CPA (in no particular order)
1) How often does the case manager visit? It is required by licensing to visit a basic level child once per month. An agency that visits more than once often creates a trusting relationship with foster parents/child which creates a more successful placement.
2) What are the monthly requirement of the foster parents? Monthly progress notes are required by licensing. Medication logs and activity calendar are also required.
3) What specific resources are available to foster parents that chose to foster through [CPA name]? Some CPA's offer a wide variety of resources and some are very limited or none beyond the requirements of licensing.
4) Does [CPA name] have someone that is available for support 24/7 for my family? Your case manager may not always be available but a good CPA will have an on call person and some even have an on call nurse available to you and your CHILD 24/7, every day of the year!
5) How important is MY family and my biological children incomparison to the children placed in care? A good CPA will say they are equally important. If you have children it's imperative that they are not "forgotten" in the business of the caseworkers, therpy, case managers etc.
6) How are foster parents reimbursed for the expenses of the child in care? While it should not be about money at all and if you are considering fostering as a paying job, you should look elsewhere. You will be paid approximately $1/hour. Some CPA's offer reimbursement for travel expenses, respite relief, vacations and more. Its ok to ask your potential CPA, let's face it, raising a child is expensive and if your caring for the child in care to the best of your ability it will cost more than $1/hour.
7) What if we fall in love with our child, do we have the option to adopt? Some CPA's are foster only, be sure you choose a CPA with a foster to adopt option if adoption is considered.
1) How often does the case manager visit? It is required by licensing to visit a basic level child once per month. An agency that visits more than once often creates a trusting relationship with foster parents/child which creates a more successful placement.
2) What are the monthly requirement of the foster parents? Monthly progress notes are required by licensing. Medication logs and activity calendar are also required.
3) What specific resources are available to foster parents that chose to foster through [CPA name]? Some CPA's offer a wide variety of resources and some are very limited or none beyond the requirements of licensing.
4) Does [CPA name] have someone that is available for support 24/7 for my family? Your case manager may not always be available but a good CPA will have an on call person and some even have an on call nurse available to you and your CHILD 24/7, every day of the year!
5) How important is MY family and my biological children incomparison to the children placed in care? A good CPA will say they are equally important. If you have children it's imperative that they are not "forgotten" in the business of the caseworkers, therpy, case managers etc.
6) How are foster parents reimbursed for the expenses of the child in care? While it should not be about money at all and if you are considering fostering as a paying job, you should look elsewhere. You will be paid approximately $1/hour. Some CPA's offer reimbursement for travel expenses, respite relief, vacations and more. Its ok to ask your potential CPA, let's face it, raising a child is expensive and if your caring for the child in care to the best of your ability it will cost more than $1/hour.
7) What if we fall in love with our child, do we have the option to adopt? Some CPA's are foster only, be sure you choose a CPA with a foster to adopt option if adoption is considered.
After you have visited with your potential CPA and feel comfortable proceeding, training and preparation come next!
DISCLAIMER: I have not been paid or reimbursed to represent A World For Children. AWFC is our personal choice of CPA. I highly recommend AWFC to anyone interested in foster parenting and I am more than willing to discuss AWFC specifically with you!
1 comment:
We were with another "Christian" agency for many years. I was highly disappointed in their hypocrisy. If we were to license again, we would license with AWFC.
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