By Sheryl Brissett-Chapman, EdD, MSW
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Why Should I Become a Foster Parent? |
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What Are a Foster Parent’s Essential Duties? |
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Other Functions |
Why Should I Become a Foster Parent?
Here is a general list of characteristics of successful foster parents and some of the duties they can expect to perform.
- I enjoy helping children grow positively!
- I am a caring, mature person who gets satisfaction from helping others.
- I have the time and energy to devote to working through behavioral problems with children.
- I want to contribute to the life of a child or young person with special needs.
- I enjoy teamwork and working with other people.
- I am naturally optimistic and successful at embracing the many challenges of life.
- I want the opportunity to grow personally and professionally through pre-service and in-service training programs.
What Are a Foster Parent’s Essential Duties?
- Provide family atmosphere in which physical and emotional needs are met.Provide a temporary clean, safe, and nurturing environment.
- Ensure all necessary health care (including dental) as specified by his/her pediatrician.
- Assist the therapist and other team members in the development of treatment plans by attending treatment team meetings.
- Monitor and coordinate with school systems regarding attendance and progress, and attend parental conferences and activities.
- Assume primary responsibility for implementing the in-home treatment strategies specified in the treatment plan.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with service providers in the community such as schools, department of recreation, social service agencies, and mental health programs and professionals.
- Advocate on behalf of the child/youth to achieve treatment plan, to obtain education, vocational, medical, and other services needed to implement the plan.
- Assist the child/youth in maintaining contact with his/her biological family and aid in visitation when indicated in the treatment plan.
- Continually upgrades skills and knowledge through reading, workshops, and at least 30 hours of in-service training each year.
- Partner with team members in helping youth achieve permanency.
- Inform the caseworker of any problems.
Other Functions
- Assist with identifying and integrating interested families into treatment foster care.
- Through phone calls and letters, advocate for the treatment foster care program with regards to pending legislation.
