Foster Care Program - Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Permanency Planning Resource?
UJIMA recruits families for children, not children for families. The term we like to use for Foster Parents is Permanency Planning Resource Families because we believe our families to be a viable resource for the children they care for. That resource might develop into respite after return home or if return home is not possible, that resource might develop into an adoptive home. Regardless, our families are a permanency resource for the children in their care.
Prospective UJIMA Family:
- Know and accept that although UJIMA is an African American agency with a focus on homes for waiting African American children, we have families of all backgrounds and place children of all backgrounds
- Know and accept that not every agency is your agency: UJIMA may not be appropriate for you if you desire to:
do straight adoption
have a new born placed with you
have a very young and legally free baby placed with you
(but we will assist you in contacting the most appropriate agency to meet your needs and the child that will be the best match for your family)
- Know and accept the child you have in mind may not be your child, stay open to every possibility
- Know and accept our children have been through a lot and may act accordingly
- Know and accept our children have complicated lives and relationships, be open and patient
- Know and accept every child placed in your home may not stay and sometimes it’s not your choice and it hurts
- Know and accept being a foster parent is hard and the rewards are not always easy to see
- Know and accept timelines are never what you think they should be or are told they will be
- Know and accept families must be available to support the children, not relying on the foster care funds to be the family’s financial support
- Know and accept you will be tested in ways you never expected
- Know and accept this will be the most rewarding thing you will ever do
What is foster care?
The Washington State Division of Licensed Resources is mandated by federal and state laws to protect children from abuse and neglect. Foster care is the temporary placement of children with families or individuals outside of their own homes into licensed homes due to neglect and/or abuse.
Who can become a foster parent?
Foster parents are individuals who enjoy children and are willing to open their homes and share their time, energy, and love with children who have suffered neglect or abuse. In Washington State you can be a foster parent if you:
· Are 21 years or older, per WAC 388-73-031;
· Have adequate space for placement of a child or children in your home;
· Pass a health/safety inspection and a fire/safety inspection;
· Have adequate income to meet the needs of present family members without Foster Care payments
· Participate in required Orientation, Pre-Service, and In-Service training;
· Pass a criminal history check and Child Protective Services check;
· Have a current 1st Aid/CPR certification;
· Take an HIV-AIDS Awareness class and
· Renew foster parent license every three years, if the family wishes to continue to provide care
· Pass current TB tests for all family members 18 years and older
Do foster parents receive financial assistance?
Foster parents will receive a set monthly reimbursement based on the child's age. These funds are for child-care related costs such as food, clothing, and housing. In addition, each child will have medical and dental coverage while in foster care. Special rates may be paid to foster families who care for children with exceptional needs such as medical or behavioral needs; additional training required.
Who are the children that come into foster care?
The children that are placed into the state foster care program may:
· Have been neglected, abused, or abandoned;
· Range from infancy through 18 years of age;
· May have special physical, emotional or medical needs;
· May be part of a sibling group;
· Represent all cultural and economic groups; however, children of color are over-represented in the foster care system.
What can I expect as a foster parent?
You can expect many rewards such as:
· The chance to help children feel good about themselves;
· Challenging experience;
· Chance to learn and use special knowledge and skills;
· Make a difference in a child's life;
· Satisfaction in doing a meaningful and exceptional job--protecting children from harm;
What are some of the myths to be dispelled?
There are many myths about what it takes to qualify to be a foster parent. The truth is:
· You can be single or married
· You don't have to own you own home
· You don't have to make lots of money
· There is financial and other assistance available for foster care
UJIMA Community Services, following the mandates of the law (MEPA as Ammended in 1996), works primarily in King County, Snohomish County, and Pierce County specializing in the recruitment, training, licensing, and support of families for foster care, adoption, and kinship care placement of African American children in Washington State.
