Become a foster parent

• Call us at 1-866-90CHILD to speak to a foster parent recruiter OR visit https://fostertrack.embracefamilies.org/parentquestionnaire.asp.
• Attend an orientation session.
• Complete the 30 hour National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) training. This a state-of-the-art training curriculum that will help prospective parents: 1) understand the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, separation and loss, 2) expand your parenting skills and strategies, and 3) Increase access to information and resources that will help throughout the foster/adoption journey.
• Complete a thorough home inspection and study (we’ll ask lots of questions!).
• Complete background, employment and reference checks.
• Welcome a child into your heart and home.

Basic requirements for becoming a foster parent are as follows: You must be 21 years of age, currently not a recipient of governmental financial assistance (SNAP, TANF, etc.), and able to pass a home inspection and criminal background check.

Contrary to popular belief, any qualified adult can be licensed to foster, no matter their marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, home ownership or income level.

• Foster Family Advocates are actively involved in helping to meet your family’s immediate needs in the first days of transitioning a child into your home.
• A monthly stipend helps offset the cost of caring for the child.
• A specialty Medicaid plan covers the child’s health and dental expenses.
• Yearly clothing allowance is provided for each child
• Monthly visits from the child’s case manager are required.
• Local foster parent associations meet monthly to provide guidance and emotional support, ongoing training, respite, or sometimes just an empathetic ear.

*Teens and young adults in foster care are eligible for a tuition waiver to any college in the state of Florida that accepts Bright Futures, as well as assistance in obtaining their driver’s permit/license and insurance coverage.

Every situation is different. Some children are in licensed foster care for just a day, until a relative arrives to care for them; others may be in foster care for years, as their parents work through their case management plans as dictated by the courts. Our ultimate goal is to provide permanency for a child within twelve months, either through reunification with their parents, permanent guardianship, or adoption by a forever family.

You may want to start by asking yourself these questions:

• Do I have enough room in my home to temporarily house a child?
• Can my home pass a safety inspection?
• Am I physically and emotionally capable of caring for children?
• Do I have an adequate income to meet my own family’s current needs?
• Have I been in my current relationship for more than 12 months?
• Have I been at my current address for more than 12 months?
• Do I have any major life changes coming in the near future?
• Has an adult in my home ever been convicted of a crime?
• Am I ready to begin the home study process?

Care Grants – Child Welfare Specialty Plan (CWSP) Expanded Benefit
What is eligible?

Request MUST come from the CBC, the CMO, or an adoptive parent, IL youth over 18
New requirements/coverage as of 12/1/18

Examples of what will meet criteria
Updated 4/10/19

Karate lessons
– Youth volleyball registration fees
– Winter break camp
– Summer camp
– Youth football registration fees
– Gymnastics class
– Gymnastics camp
– Youth football cleats
– Dance class attire
– Painting supplies
– Tutoring
– Swim lessons
– Soccer registration and cleats
– Baseball registration and cleats
– Reading camp fees
– Senior Grad Night
– Senior Prom dress
– Senior cap & gown fee
– 8th grade graduation activities
– Soccer ball
– Soccer net
– Bicycle
– Bike helmet
– Safety pads for sports or physical activity
– Infant exercise products (i.e., Jumperoo, Baby Einstein Exersaucer)
– Roller Skates
– Guitar
– Ukulele
– Scooter
– Gym membership
– Kids gym classes
– School/Faith/Social Organization related trips and field trips (i.e., amusement parks/trips will only be approved if directly connected with a group school/ faith/social organization trip; i.e., travel soccer team, faith based organization related group trip; i.e., church group trip)

Examples of what will not meet criteria and will be denied
Updated 4/10/19

Kindle Fire
– X-Box
– Clothing (general)
– Shoes (general)
– Hair cut
– Hair straightener
– Apple i-pad for entertainment
– Leap pads
– Bunk beds
– Car seat
– School uniforms
– School clothing
– Senior yearbook
– Class Ring
– Bedroom dresser & desk
– Diapers, wipes, baby lotion
– Doll
– Professional modeling photos
– Cell phones
– Paw patrol thermos
– Food
– Electric bill
– Gas
– Hotel rooms
– Room air purifier
– Eyeglasses
– Hover Board
– Toy truck
– Amusement parks (i.e., Disney, Busch Gardens) NOT affiliated with a supervised school/faith based/social organization trip
– Trips/travel costs not part of a school/faith based/social organization activity the child is participating in (i.e., family cruise would not be appropriate. However, travel soccer trip/associated travel costs would be approved)

Access PDF here.