Allendale’s foster families complete the following process:
| 1. |
Complete
a statement of interest.
|
| 2. |
Complete
an application.
|
| 3. |
Go
through orientation. Representatives from Allendale spend a
considerable amount of time with prospective parents, helping
them decide if fostering is right for them. Individual counseling
may be appropriate to help families adjust to fostering.
|
| 4. |
Complete
PRIDE
training,
provided by DCFS.
|
| 5. |
Pass
a background check.
|
| 6. |
Medical
records and references are checked for all adults in the home.
|
| 7. |
Participate
in a home study to assess the family’s capability to provide
foster care. Allendale representatives visit the home a minimum
of three or four times.
|
| 8. |
After
completing state licensing
requirements, continue
training—a minimum of sixteen hours each year—to
remain certified.
|
Many individuals, initially intimidated
by the commitments of foster parenting, work with our children in
other capacities, such as mentoring
programs, which allow them to
interact directly with the kids. Such an activity can become a commitment
to an individual child, creating the beginnings of a foster family.
Currently, 25 individuals participate in our Big PALs program, with
eight in the application process.
On to Support
Services
|
 |
