Take the Challenge – Become a Foster Parent Today!

Pueblo CO

Description

One of the most rewarding, while being one of the most challenging life choices that a family can make is to say yes to becoming a foster family. Special Kids Special Families is seeking adults and families to make a commitment to provide a home for children. Families who seek to become foster parents are those who have already raised children and are ready to care for children again, those who have worked with children professionally, those who have performed care for other family members, those able to stay or work from home, and some single parents who have the flexibility to offer time to children. Some foster families choose to be a respite family for a youth who is struggling in their family of origin or perhaps help, and assistance is needed for another foster family. A respite family gives a much needed break for children, the parents, and foster parents. What is a Professional Foster Parent? It is our definition of those families who have a broad base of experience and are willing to learn how to work with youth in foster care who have challenging needs. These are youth who fit into the following areas: • Troubled teens who have experienced multiple placements and are dealing with significant trauma. These are youth who require unconditional acceptance, firm boundaries and a safe place they can call home, even when the youth appears to ‘reject’ the home. These are youth who may be on probation, or are struggling with school attendance as examples of possible issues • Youth who have lower cognitive challenges and who may have other behavioral health challenges, are more ready to escalate and get upset, possibly even lashing out verbally and physically – due to limited coping skills • Have an ability to work ‘across the aisle’ to include birth parents when appropriate • Youth with medical issues and cognitive challenges • Youth who are ready to discharge from a residential facility and need a community setting • Youth who need help to learn basic skills for daily living such as staying on top of general hygiene, and learning to be aware of taking care of themselves • Youth who have a history of self-harm and youth who tend to elope (run away) • Youth with substance abuse Some of the basic foster parenting requirements include: • Physical space in the home as well as financial stability • Having emotional space and stability in you and your family unit • Experience working with and/or caring for children in a successful and healthy manner • Must be willing to be engaged in learning through training and guidance for the effects of abuse, neglect and other trauma in the child’s life • Be willing to participate in helping children to access their visits with their parents and other needs in their service plan • Good communication skills and have the ability to develop intervention and crisis skills • Be at least 21 years of age and have the stamina to care for children A Professional Foster Parent: • Knows how the youth need a community of support to provide stability and security so that they can begin to focus on their lives • Be willing to have other professionals work with the youth – coming to your home to work with you and the youth and possibly you transporting the youth to needed services • Be able to find the core strengths within the youth (it is often easier to find the challenging aspects of the youth than strengths) • Would be able to meet the requirements for becoming a therapeutic foster home to accept the higher level of need youth; and/or meet the requirements of the residential settings for the youth in the Children’s Habilitation Residential Program • Must be in continual learning and education regarding working with challenging behaviors • Has a good support system and ability to reach out and ask for help when needed When you apply to become a foster parent, it begins a working relationship with our agency to complete the process. This process includes background checks, the members of the family are included in the assessment, the home inspection and be involved in the learning and training modules. Agency Supports and Benefits: • 24-hour support – Our staff is available for support and consultation 24 hours a day. We have an on-call phone number you can access day and night. • Specialized Training – You will be the most important link in the treatment team for the child and the child will rely on you to help them maneuver through their treatment plan by supporting them with home life, their education, family relationships and providing transportation to necessary appointments and visits. Our staff will meet with you to provide the necessary training and requirements for you to become a certified foster parent. This training is free to you. • Dedicated Support Staff – A staff member will be assigned to you and will be available to you to answer questions and help you navigate the journey of foster parenting. • Financial Reimbursement – Reimbursement is dependent upon the needs of the youth with the foster care system. The Professional Parent would meet the qualifications for the Therapeutic level of care reimbursement and/or the rate for youth who are considered in the Children’s Habilitation Residential Program, for higher needs youth. These reimbursements are considered at a higher reimbursement rate than the traditional foster family, due to the requirements for meeting the needs of these youth. Medical care for your foster child is covered 100% by Medicaid. If you are ready to become a Professional Foster Parent, or you want to learn more about being a foster parent or respite parent, please send an email or call Linda at the contact information listed. Visit our site at.