Question 1

Who can become a foster parent?

Accepted Answer

Almost anyone who has a desire and capacity to help a child or teen. Isaiah's Place Foster Parents are…
Married, single, divorced, widowed and unmarried co-parents
Employed, stay at home, and retired
Home owners and renters
As young as 18 years of age and senior citizens
Experienced and new parents
Have biological or adopted children
Empty nesters
Of all backgrounds

Question 2

Do I get to choose the age and sex of the youth placed in my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Foster parents have the final say as to what foster care placements they will accept into their homes.  Every foster family is unique and we respect their differences. Isaiah's Place works diligently, with much thought and consideration, to match a child with the best foster family for the child, according to the child’s needs and the family’s strengths.  The referrals Isaiah's Place receives come from the counties who we have a contract with.  Our goal is to ensure every child is placed within a safe and nurturing family to support their growth and development.

Question 3

Does the child in foster care need to have his/her own bedroom?

Accepted Answer

Each child needs his/her own bed to sleep in and closet or dresser, but in many cases they can share a bedroom with a sibling, biological, or adopted child.

Question 4

How long do foster care placements typically last?

Accepted Answer

You’ll find that there isn’t really a typical time frame, because children are placed in foster care for so many different reasons. And each of these affect the extent of time. Some may need temporary placement with a foster family until a relative can be located. Some children may need a stable environment in which to finish school or until their parents can meet their treatment goals. Lastly, some children may need long-term to permanent care (adoption).

Question 5

What are the requirements to get licensed?

Accepted Answer

Licensing may seem like a complicated process, but it's not.  It's a slow series of steps we take one at a time, and we are here the whole way to guide and help you. Here are some of the things you'll need to do:
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- Completed & Verified Application and Background Check
- Completion of 24 hours of pre-service training, including CPR/FA
- References from two non-family, one relative, and all adult children 
- Copies of identification
- Approval of a safety audit
- Approval of a fire inspection completed by your local fire department

Question 6

Can I foster if I have been charged with or convicted of a crime?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. Not all crimes are disqualifiers. Your licensing specialist will review your background check and listed charges/convictions to determine eligibility. It is vital that your application and all information you provide to Isaiah's Place is truthful. Falsified or construed documentation may disqualify your application or licensure.

Question 7

Will I be in contact with the families of the children I would foster?

Accepted Answer

For most children in foster care, the goal is to reunify the child with his/her family. The reunification plan may involve scheduled visits with the child’s family or family therapy sessions. Foster parents may be asked to provide information regarding the child’s progress. In some states, this may be required on a weekly basis. Your case manager will be able to discuss with you the level of family contact that your foster child needs.

Foster Parent FAQs