Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? The Clinton County Department of Human Services will be hosting a foster parent information session on March 21st at 6:30pm and it will be held at the Clinton County Courthouse in the 1st floor Conference Room.
This is a perfect time to come and consider becoming foster parent as you can spend time learning about the process to become a foster parent and ask questions of a current foster parent. A few things to consider before becoming a foster parent if you think you are able to love and understand a child, share your time, share your family’s time, be flexible, work in collaboration with other team players, be a good listener, be objective-not judgmental and most importantly emphasize the positive you should take the time to consider becoming a licensed foster home.
To be a licensed foster home, your family would need to meet the following general requirements:
· Foster parents can be either single or married and least 18 years of age.
· Have a reliable and steady income that would allow you to support yourself and a foster child.
· Families may own or rent housing. Foster homes must provide adequate bedroom space for children, a safe play area, and a telephone. Foster homes must be free from health and fire hazards.
· Family members must pass a criminal background check and a central registry clearance for any protective services involvement. Foster parents must be in good health.
· Be willing to receive initial foster parent training called PRIDE throughout the licensing process and ongoing training each year.
· Foster families will complete a home study with a foster home certification worker. The home study is an educational tool for the worker and the family to help aid in future placement decisions.
· Most importantly, as a foster family, you would need to be patient, kind, understanding and willing to provide a loving stable home for a child.
Foster parents make a difference in the lives of children in crisis, and this impact can last a lifetime. As a foster parent, you would benefit beyond words from the knowledge that you are helping a child through one of the most difficult times in that child’s life. You would be a bridge to a child between a troubled past and a hopeful future. Come on the 21st to learn how you be a bridge for youth in Clinton County.
For more information on the event or becoming a foster parent, please contact Christine Sisung at the Department of Human Services at 989-224-5548 or sisungc@michigan.gov.