Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a
foster parent? Foster
parents must be at least 21 years old, married or single, and may have
full-time jobs outside the home. Many foster parents already have
children of their own, while others may be interested in starting a
family through foster care.
What
kind of screening is necessary?
Prospective foster
parents must be screened through the State Central Registry Clearance
Unit for child abuse. Additionally, a criminal background check must be
conducted locally through the New York State Division of Criminal
Justice Services and nationally through the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. Applicants are also required to submit six references for
review.
What
are the requirements to become a foster parent?
Foster
parents must submit records of a current physical examination, provide
adequate room in the home for the child (it is acceptable for a foster
child to share a bedroom with another child) and be able to provide
transportation to medical appointments, meetings and family visitations.
They also are required to complete the pre-service training course.
What
kind of training does Northeast provide?
Foster parents will
receive 30 hours of pre-services training using a nationally recognized
program that teaches foster families about the children they will be
welcoming into their home and the critical role they will play in
helping the child to heal. Foster families receive 12 hours per year in
subsequent years for recertification. Northeast also provides weekly
in-home training tailored to each child and family, webinars, online
support and foster care conferences.
What
issues do foster children face?
Most children in foster
care exhibit behaviors related to trauma due to abuse or neglect. Many
suffer from loss and attachment issues due to being removed from their
homes. Our highly qualified and trained staff provides full therapeutic
support and guidance to both foster children and foster parents.
What if
I need assistance outside of regular work hours?
Our support staff
is only a phone call away any time, day or night, to help foster parents
and children.
What are my financial
responsibilities? Northeast
provides a generous stipend for the care of each child. The individual
amount will vary depending on the child’s age and needs. The stipend
will cover daily living expenses along with clothing, diapers, daycare
and other costs. In addition, each child is provided with full coverage
for all medical and therapeutic expenses.
How is
visitation with the biological family handled?
In general,
biological parents receive weekly visitation. The location of these
visits and the participation of the foster parents varies depending on
individual circumstances.
How long do children remain in foster care?
Each situation
is different. Some foster children may only need a home for a few
weeks, while some require longer-term living situations. Our staff will
work with you to create the right situation for you and the foster
child.
Could I
be a part-time foster parent?
Yes! Part-time
foster parents who welcome children into their home on a temporary basis
are a vital part of our program. They offer the breaks (respite) our
foster children and parents may need in order to achieve success.
Respite care can involve one night, one weekend, or longer if necessary.
Ongoing part-time care opportunities are also available.
What are the ages of
foster children? Children in
foster care can range from birth to age 21.
Can
foster parents adopt their foster child?
If a child becomes
available for adoption, the foster family is given first consideration.
Northeast will partner with the foster parents and the county throughout
the adoption process.
What if I need a break?
Northeast maintains a list of respite foster families who are available
to provide short-term care. Our team will work with foster parents to
ensure that their needs and the needs of the foster child are met.
Can I remain part of the child’s life
after they return home? The relationship between foster
parents and foster children is special. Contact with a child after
discharge from the foster care system is at the discretion of the
child’s permanent guardian and as such varies in each situation.
How do I become a foster
parent?
Click here to contact us today!
Northeast's
Foster Care Program Facts.
