Children enter foster care for different reasons. Most times their families cannot provide them with the basic safety and protection they need and as a result, children are abused or neglected. Many times their experience includes parental substance abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or abandonment. Learn about the
types of foster care or
how to become a resource parent.
About children in foster care
Children living in foster care may be infants, toddlers, preschoolers, grade school age, or teenagers. They also come from many types of backgrounds, cultures, and families. They are like other children, each with their own special personality, abilities, interests and potential. Most children entering foster care have experienced abuse or neglect. These children may have higher needs related to these experiences, including the grief and loss of being taken from their families.
There is a high demand for resource parents who can care for sibling groups, ensuring brothers and sisters can stay together. Families that enjoy working with teens and can guide them toward a positive future are also in high demand.
Helping Native American/Alaskan Native kids grow with a strong connection to their heritage is very important to us. Native American/Alaskan Native families who can share their cultures and traditions with Indian children are needed throughout the state. Special training and support may be available to you.
The importance of neighborhoods and community
Children in foster care are too often separated not only from their families but also from their friends, schools, and communities. By providing resource care, neighbors and other community members can make it possible for a child to stay in the same school and participate in other regular activities such as sports, church, riding bikes with friends and visiting familiar places.
Also see:
Support
When a child is placed in your home the child's caseworker will continue to provide you with information about the child which will help you better understand him or her as well meet the child's need for safety and wellbeing. Caseworkers spend time with children placed in foster care a minimum of every 30 days. Caseworkers also will have monthly contact with you and visit you in your home every 60 days.
Your certifier will be available to you for support and guidance. You will see your certifier regularly; time between visits will be no longer than every 180 days. They will invite you to training and share other training resources.