Henderson County Foster Parent Association Home



Henderson County

Department of Social Services

Date: __________________

Dear Potential Foster/Adoptive Parent:

Your relationship with a foster child could last days, months or years, but the impact you have on a child’s life can last a lifetime. Whatever the time frame is, you could possibly be the reason behind a successful adult from seeds that you helped plant in their childhood!

Do you remember who planted seeds and influenced your life? Who believed in you? Did someone recognize you’re potential? Children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned need that same positive influence to help them develop their potential, which is why we seek families with the following characteristics:

∂ All adults living in the home must be able to pass a criminal background check (everything on your record will be questioned including speeding tickets)

∂ All adults living in the home must not have a history with Child Protective Services (CPS)

∂ Caretakers must have a valid driver’s license

∂ Caretakers must be able to read and write

∂ Yard and home must meet environmental and safety inspection.

∂ All adults must be able to pass a physical, and be in good mental health

∂ Must have stable income coming into your home that covers your personal expenses

∂ All foster children must have their own bed set up in a bedroom with a door

∂ All adults in home must be willing to attend 7 classes of foster parent training &

∂ Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications

If you feel that you would qualify, please complete the enclosed preliminary application. A self-addressed envelope has been provided for your convenience. Completing this application is the first step to becoming licensed. Once the application has been received then you will be contacted for an initial home visit to discuss this process in more detail. If you should have any questions regarding this matter please feel free to give me a call at the phone number listed below.

Our agency looks forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

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Darlene Stone

Foster Parent Recruitment

& Training Social Worker

(828) 694-6252

families4kids@

1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 300, Hendersonville, NC 28792

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What is Foster Care?

When families and children are in crisis, child welfare agencies have a legal and moral obligation to intervene. Successful intervention requires a partnership at the point of intervention. This partnership must provide ways to manage risks to children and assure their safety while building, rather than destroying family reunification. Therefore, foster care is meant to be a temporary living arrangement for children while their birth families work on safety issues. The length of foster care can range from a few days to sometimes a year or more. Many children in foster care do return to their birth families, but if safety continues to be an ongoing concern then they will be placed for adoption.

Henderson County Department of Social Services is committed to finding safe and loving homes to care for these children. We are currently in need of culturally and/or ethnically diverse foster homes to temporarily care for children.

Myths about Foster Care and Adoption

MYTH: You have to be a saint to be a foster or adoptive parent.

FACT: You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.

MYTH: You have to own a home to foster or adopt.

FACT: You can own or rent a home, trailer, or apartment.

MYTH: You have to be married to foster or adopt.

FACT: You can be single, married, divorced, or widowed.

MYTH: You have to be rich to be a foster/adoptive parent.

FACT: You don’t have to be rich, but you must have some kind of income.

MYTH: My well must be 25 feet from my house.

FACT: This rule is no longer true.

MYTH: It is expensive to adopt a child from a county agency.

FACT: The cost of adopting a foster child is provided by the agency.

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Families are Needed!!

Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove children from their homes. Maybe the home is not safe, maybe the caregiver could not care for them, or maybe they were abandon…it does happen.

We need families who can provide one or more of the following options when a child comes into care:

Foster Homes

A temporary living arrangement for children, who has been abused, neglected or abandon. It’s a place where a child can feel safe, grow and develop, while enabling the child’s parents to learn to cope with family difficulties. Length of stay varies with each unique situation. Foster parents can choose to care for one or more children.

Respite Care

When the primary foster family needs temporary relief for vacations, short-term illness, family emergency and/or self-care, then another licensed foster family will step in briefly.

Adoptive Homes

If reunification is not successful for children in foster care, then the goal for the child may change to adoption or custody given to another caretaker. Foster parents may be considered as adoptive parents if their foster child becomes available for adoption.

Qualifications:

• You may be married or single

• You must be 21 years or older

• A source of stable income is required

• You must pass a criminal background check

• Must be able to read.

• You must provide excellent references

• You must not have a negative history with a child welfare agency

• You must not live with anyone who has been convicted of a felon

Foster Parent Creed

A hundred years from now,

It’s not going to matter

what your bank account was,

no one will care about the house you lived in,

or the kind of car you drove.

But the world may

be a different place

Because YOU made a difference in

the life of a child.

Now that’s what Parenting/Mentoring is

Is all about!

Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent:

• You’ve completed the first step by requesting this packet of info. Your next step is to complete the enclosed preliminary application and return it in the self-addressed envelope provided.

• Allow a social worker to conduct a series of family interviews to learn more about your family and its history.

• Agree for each member of your household over the age of 18 to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check.

• Complete a training process called, “PS/MAPP” (Partnering for Safety and Permanence -Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting)

• After training is completed, your home must pass a fire safety inspection, and all family members must complete physical examinations, (These tasks are recommended to be completed within 120 days prior to licensing). Please note: Based on an assessment of your physical and mental health history, we may need for you to obtain a letter of clarification by your physician regarding the status of your well being.

• CPR and First Aid certification must be completed before any placement of children can occur. All required certifications and trainings must be kept current while licensed.

Supported Services Provided to Foster Families

• By becoming a license foster family you will receive a monthly board payment on each foster child place in your home depending on the child’s age and needs. Board payments are intended to cover the costs of caring for the foster child. It is not suppose to be considered as income. The minimum rates are as follows:

$475 for ages 0-5

$581 for ages 6-12

$634 for ages 13-18

• Day care assistance is available if both parents work or when the child’s social worker deems it necessary for the child.

• Medicaid is provided on each foster child for medical, dental, mental health services and pharmacy fees. While all hospitals accept Medicaid, many health care providers do not. Henderson County DSS can provide you with a list of providers before scheduling any appointments.

• By becoming a licensed foster parent you will automatically become a member of the Henderson County Foster Parent Association which will give you access to ongoing training, support groups, and the use of their Foster Closet.

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Pre-App (Revised 6/2016)

|Henderson County |[pic] |

|Department of Social Services | |

|Foster Care Program | |

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of training will I receive?

The law requires that everyone interested in licensing in the state of North Carolina must attend a training called, “PS/MAPP” (Partnering for Safety and Permanence -Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting). The purpose of PS/MAPP is to inform potential parents about the needs of children who come into the foster care system, and to help them decide whether they can parent these children. The training will explain the importance of working in partnership with our social service agency, the court system and birth families to meet the needs of the children.

The law does not specify the number of training hours to become an adoptive parent; however, Henderson County Department of Social Service encourages those who are considering adoptions to take the PS/MAPP training, especially if you do not have a specific child in mind at the beginning of consideration.

Henderson County Department of Social Services usually provides this training process three times a year. Call (828) 694-6252 or (828) 694-6260 to find out our next available class schedule.

How long will the process take?

This is not a quick process. The training itself is usually laid out over 2-3 months and since Henderson County DSS only provides this training two to three times per a year, you maybe looking at 6 to 9 months from your initial contact. Therefore, we ask everyone to please be patient.

What’s my role as a foster parent?

You and Henderson County Department of Social Services will enter into a “partnership agreement” describing the duties and responsibilities of each. The following is a general overview of our foster parent’s role:

• Realize foster care is meant to only be temporary. When children first come into care “Reunification is always the first goal”. Therefore cooperation and being a team player is very important.

• Protect and supervise children.

• Help foster children to feel accepted and loved.

• Allow the foster child to express his or her feelings about their past or present situation.

• Help prepare the child for any future plans that are made.

• Hold in strictest confidence any information about the foster child and their birth families.

How do you let a child go?

You don’t!! You will always carry a thought or memory with you. Just think if a child can make that kind of impression, what impressions you can make on them. Think of the good you can do.

Will I receive any financial support?

Foster parents receive monthly financial assistance based on each child’s age and needs. This assistance from the State and Federal government is to be used for the day-to-day expenses, such as food, clothes, entertainment, electricity, water, hygiene products, baby formula, disposable diapers, Medicaid co-pays, etc. These payments are only intended to help cover added extra cost for caring for a foster child in your home. This money is not payment for a job; it is not to be claimed as income and is therefore nontaxable. It cannot be declared as income to obtain a loan.

Foster children are also eligible for WIC, the Free Lunch Program, and Medicaid benefits, which includes medical, dental, and mental health coverage. Henderson County Department of Social Services also helps cover childcare services when both foster parents works and they deem it a necessity as a benefit for the child. With approval, we may reimburse for special things such as graduation’s cap & gown, or extra curricular activities…etc.

What about siblings?

Siblings are placed together whenever possible. However, sometimes it is in the best interest of the children to be separated based on their individual special needs. When appropriate, efforts are made by agencies to continue sibling visits after their adoptions.

Will I be able to adopt my foster child?

The majority of children are reunified with their birth families. If for some reason a child is not able to return home, then he or she may become available for adoption. Since the children have established a bond with their foster parents, the adoptions review team will give consideration to the foster parents if it is in the best interest of the child to remain with them.

For further information on adoption, please contact one of our adoption social workers at:

(828) 694-6321 or (828) 694-6264.

Are their infants or very young children available for adoption?

There are very few infants and toddlers in foster care in need of an adoptive home. They are usually already placed in a licensed foster home when they become available for adoption, and most of our licensed foster home placements are prepared to adopt if any child becomes available. These are the reasons why we highly recommend you consider the foster to adopt program.

Can I bypass the step of fostering and just go straight to adoption, if there are children available? Henderson County requires that you must go through the training process and license to enter the foster to adopt program.

How do I start the process?

Complete the enclosed preliminary application and return in the provided self-address envelope or contact the Henderson County Department of Social Services for more information:

(828) 694-6252 or (828) 694-6260.

Unable to foster right now?

Did you know there are Other Ways You Can Help!!

The Henderson County Foster Parent Association (HCFPA) will accept any of the following donations:

∂ Good used children clothing from newborn to size 12.

∂ Baby supplies, like diapers, wipes, cribs, strollers, etc.

∂ New socks and underwear

∂ School supplies, like book bags, calculators, etc.

∂ Gift certificates for children’s birthday

∂ Birthday cards

∂ Children stickers

∂ Monetary contributions

Other Suggestions:

∂ Sponsor or Co-sponsor a fundraiser or charity event with HCFPA as beneficiary.

∂ If you’re a professional with expertise and knowledge on a particular subject matter pertaining to parenting/human behavior. We invite you to share your expertise with our foster parents and provide a training….for free.

∂ Become a Volunteer!! Assist with child care or share craft ideas with our foster children during one of our meetings. (All volunteers are subject to fingerprinting and background checks plus you will be required to sign a “Confidentiality Statement”)

∂ Provide door prize gifts, drinks, and/or snacks during one of our Foster Parent Association meetings.

Pre-App (Revised 6/2016)

Pre-App (Revised 6/2016)

Henderson County Department of Social Services

“Preliminary” Foster/Adoptive Home Application

Prospective Parent #1 Prospective Parent #2

|Full Legal Name: | | |

|Maiden name and all previous names used | | |

|(if any): | | |

|Date of Birth and Age: | | |

|Social Security #: | | |

|Sex: | | |

|Race/Ethnicity: (optional) | | |

|Employed by: | | |

|Employer address and | | |

|phone number: | | |

|May we call you at work? | | |

|Number of years employed: | | |

|Hours of work: | | |

|Must list and describe “All” monthly income | | |

|(After taxes): | | |

|Use a separate sheet if needed. | | |

|Highest grade completed: | | |

|If currently married, list date and place of |Date: |Place: |

|current marriage: | | |

|Previously married: | | |

|Number of previous marriages? | | |

|Years of former marriage(s): | | |

|Email addresses: | | |

|Cell phone numbers: | | |

Home Phone#:________________________

Directions to Home from DSS: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Current Residence:

Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Health Status

| |Prospective Parent #1 |Prospective Parent #2 |

|Please list all medications you are taking & | | |

|explain the reasons behind the prescriptions: | | |

| | | |

|Use a separate sheet if needed. | | |

| | | |

| | | |

| | | |

Others Living in the Home:

|Full Names |Date of Birth |Age |Occupation/ School |Relationship to Parents |

| | | |Grade | |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

(Please Note: In accordance with North Carolina General Statute, all persons 18 years or older residing in the home will be required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check).

Legal Information:

1. Has anyone in the household ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor? ________ If yes, please list name of person, where, when and disposition of felony or misdemeanor: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Has anyone in your household ever been referred to the Department of Social Services for abuse and/or neglect? ___________. If yes, was it substantiated or unsubstantiated? Where and When? _______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pre-App (Revised 7/2015)

Household and Financial Information:

1. Do you own your home? _________________ How long? _______________________

2. Rent? __________ Landlord Name and Number: ______________________________

3. Number of rooms in your home: _____________

4. Number of Bedrooms: _____________________

5. Do you have any bodies of water surrounding your home like deep ditches, creeks, rivers, lakes, or pools of any size? ______ YES _______ NO

Please Note: If you answer yes, then Henderson County MUST approve your setting before you begin the licensing process to discuss and eliminate any safety issues.

6. Name of schools in your area a foster child may attend: __________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

7. Is your family experiencing heavy debt or financial stress due to creditors or lawsuits? ________________ If yes, please describe how this is affecting you and your family: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Have you ever worked with another agency to become a license Foster or Adoptive Parent?_______ If yes, which agency have your worked with? ___________________

______________________________________________________________________

Foster Care Specifics:

1. Please list the age and gender of the child/ren you hope to provide care for? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Please tell us why you are interested in fostering/adopting? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. How did you learn about Henderson County Foster Care Program? _______________________________________________________________________

We understand that all of the above answers are subject to verification. If any of the above answers are found to be untrue, then Henderson County Department of Social Services has the right to cease any and all efforts to license our home. Further, we understand by signing this Preliminary Application we are making an initial request to pursue the steps in licensing.

_____________________________ ________________________________

Prospective Parent #1 Prospective Parent #2

Date: _________________________

Thank you for your interest. You can return completed Preliminary Application in any of the following ways: use the self-address envelope (if one was mailed to you); drop it off at the front desk of Henderson County DSS; email to the address listed below; or fax to: (828) 698-5191. Once application is received, you will then be contacted for an initial home visit. Preliminary Application, initial home visit, and fingerprints must be completed before training can begin. You will later be notified of our next foster/adoptive parent training classes. Any questions, please contact: Darlene Stone at 828-694-6252 / Denny McBride at 828-694-6260

or email: families4kids@

FOSTER HOME CRITERIA STATEMENT

Please answer the following questions truthfully:

1. Any one in your household ever been a perpetrator of domestic violence? [ ] Yes [ ] No

2. Any one in your household ever abused, neglected or exploited a disabled adult? [ ] Yes [ ] No

3. Any one in your household ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor? [ ] Yes [ ] No

4. Any one in your household use or possess illegal controlled substances or drug paraphernalia? [ ] Yes [ ] No

5. Any one in your household ever been charged with an offense involving the possession or use of alcohol? [ ] Yes [ ] No

6. Any one in your household abused or neglected a child which resulted in child protective services to complete an investigation? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If any statements above checked yes, please explain: (use another sheet if more space is needed)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

My signature below signifies that all above statements are true, plus it allows the Henderson County Department of Social Services to complete the following background checks from any of the following sources:

State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

North Carolina Sex Offender Public Protection Registry

Nurse Aide Registry Health Care Personnel Registry

Responsible Individual List (RIL) State Central Registry (SCR)

Accurint Checks NC Dept. Correction Offender Information

I further understand if any of the above statements are found to be untrue, and you knowingly withhold any information regarding any offenses, then any and all efforts in regards to my foster home license will cease, and you could be charged with a misdemeanor.

____________________________________________ _________________

Applicant Date

____________________________________________ _________________

Applicant Date

____________________________________________ _________________

Adult Member in Household Date

Pre-App (Revised 6/2016)

NOTICE

Foster Home

MANDATORY CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK

NORTH CAROLINA LAW REQUIRES THAT A CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK BE CONDUCTED ON ALL PERSONS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WHO RESIDE IN A LICENSED FOSTER HOME.

"Criminal history" includes any county, State, and federal conviction of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction or pending felony indictment of a crime for child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against a child, including child pornography, or for a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, other than physical assault or battery; a county, State, or federal conviction of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction or a pending felony indictment for physical assault, battery, or a drug-related offense, if the offense was committed within the past five years; or similar crimes under federal law or under the laws of other states. Your fingerprints will be used to check the criminal history records of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

If it is determined, based on your criminal history, that you are unfit to have a foster child reside with you, you shall have the opportunity to complete or challenge the accuracy of the information contained in the SBI or FBI identification records.

If licensure is denied or the foster home license is revoked by the Department of Health and Human Services as a result of the criminal history check, if you are a foster parent, or are applying to become a foster parent, you may request a hearing pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statues, the Administrative Procedure Act.

Refusal to consent to a criminal history check is grounds for the Department to deny or revoke license to provide foster care. Any person who intentionally falsifies any information required to be furnished to conduct the criminal history is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Signature of Applicant: ______________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________

Signature of Applicant: ______________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________

Signature of other Adult Members in household: _________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________

DSS-5280 (Rev. 09-01-07)

North Carolina Division of Social Services

Family Support and Child Welfare Services

Pre-App (Revised 6/2016)

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1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 300,

Hendersonville, NC 28792

Factors Leading to

Placement in Foster Care

Usually, there is not any one reason a child comes into foster care but a combination of factors may lead to placement such as:

• Abuse or neglect

• Abandonment

• Family Stress caused by addiction, divorce/separation, mental illness

• Illness or death of a parent

• Child’s behavior due to physical and/ or emotional handicap

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To learn more contact the Henderson County

Department of Social Services

(828) 694-6252

(828) 694-6260

families4kids@

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OVER

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To learn more contact the

Henderson County

Department of Social Services

(828) 694-6252

(828) 694-6260

families4kids@

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[pic]

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