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| The Process of Becoming a Foster Parent |
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Before placing a child in your home, federal and
state law requires that your home be approved by Optimum. From beginning
to end, we will work with you to answer questions and equip you for
the wonderful journey of foster care.
1. Application and Orientation
An application will be completed that includes information about your
family members, family history and the reasons you want to be a foster
parent. You can download the application here. The orientation is a
required informal meeting for you to learn about the process, meet
staff, ask questions and decide if foster parenting is right for your
family.
2. Foster Parent Training
If you have decided foster care is right for your family, you will
attend 16 hours of MPACT (Modeling Positive Parenting and Choice).
This training is designed to assist potential parents and the staff
of Optimum mutually assesses the applicants’ competencies
in the five areas needed for a successful foster care experience. OCS
will also provide an 8 hour restraint class and a 3 hour medication
class. You are also required to complete and maintain CPR and First-Aid
training on your own.
3. Home Study Process
Optimum will schedule a time to meet with you and your family in your
home. We will make sure your home passes basic fire and health inspections
and provides a suitable environment for children in the foster care
system. This is also a time for you to ask questions that were not
answered during your training sessions.
4. Approval
Once all required paperwork has been received and a home study has
been completed, you will be notified of your family’s approval.
When your home is verified, you will receive an agency agreement that
must be signed by you and Optimum.
5. Placement
Upon approval, you will be considered by Optimum as children are referred
to our agency for placement. When you receive a call from Optimum and
discuss a particular child, you will have an opportunity to ask questions
about the child. |
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