foster care

Foster parents are 24-hour caregivers. They provide food, shelter, clothing, and emotional support for the child. They are required to give the child the opportunity for recreation and social interaction. They provide transportation for education, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities. Foster parents also attend ongoing training classes and participate in monthly visits with caseworkers.

Foster parents are encouraged to have regular communication with the children’s biological parents. They are also invited to participate with Family Team Meetings, which include biological parents and their support systems.

In the event that foster children are unable to return home or be placed with biological relatives, foster parents may be considered as adoptive parents if they choose.

All types of families can become licensed foster parents, including adults who are single, married, or living with a partner. Arbor Circle accepts, affirms, and celebrates our LGBTQ+ foster and adoptive families and actively seeks racially diverse foster families who demographically represent the children we serve.

Foster parents should have an adequate income to meet their family’s needs to be financially stable, and can rent or own their home. Children are able to share bedrooms based on the needs of all children in the home.

Certain felony convictions may potentially disqualify you from becoming a foster parent, but you are encouraged to discuss details directly with a licensing worker to determine if you are eligible.

Children in foster care range from newborns to age 18. They come from many racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Many children in foster care are part of a sibling group, older children or teens, and children of color.

Some children have never had a stable home, and some may have emotional, behavioral, and medical problems. All children in foster care have experienced trauma, including the trauma of being separated from their family.

Each foster family works with a licensing staff to identify the ages and backgrounds of children who would be best served in their home.

Foster parents work with a foster care worker assigned to the child who is responsible for providing support to each family. Supportive services including respite care, training, and crisis lines are available as well.

Foster parents receive reimbursement every month to provide food, clothing, and other things their foster children need. The amount depends on the needs of the children. Foster parents also receive a clothing allowance for foster children twice a year.

Every child in foster care has medical and dental insurance available to them through the state.