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FOSTER CARE: Becoming A Parent
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We believe every child deserves a family and work with caring individuals to match children with a family that meets their needs.
Become a Foster Parent
Therapeutic foster parents provide a child with nurturing support and guidance as they participate in normal, routine activities in the home and community. The Treatment Family is carefully selected and matched to work with the child according to his or her needs. Our goal is to create a partnership where social workers, foster parents and biological families work together in the best interest of the child to create healthy family relationships.Requirements
Your Role as a Foster Parent- Providing a safe and nurturing environment
- Actively particroipating in the treatment and care of the child
- Developing the child’s moral standards while teaching social and living skills
- Implementing behavior management techniques
- Becoming an advocate and positive role model for the child
- Supporting visits between the child and the birth family
- Celebrating birthdays and special occasions
- Participating in school conferences and events (when applicable)
Minimum Requirements to Apply- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Have a valid North Carolina driver’s license
- Have reliable transportation
- Have a high school diploma or equivalency
- Provide adequate space in you home
- Have no more than three children currently residing in your home
- Have a working phone in your home at all times
Requirements for Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent- Successfully completing a Home Study and Interview (Agency Provided)
- Passing a fire inspection
- Providing fingerprints and signed releases to obtain a background check for each person 18 and older currently residing in your home
- Completing physicals for everyone residing in your home
- Receiving a Tuberculosis (TB) Test for every person residing in the home
- Providing a current copy of your auto insurance
- Providing three references for each adult in the home
- Completing 50 hours of Foster Parent Training (agency provided)
- Completing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certifications (agency provided)
- Completing Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training (agency provided)
Who are these children?
Thousands of children in North Carolina enter the foster care system each year, and range in age from infants to 18 years old. All foster children have unique backgrounds, experiences, personalities, strengths and needs. Some of the children placed by Turning Point Family Services come to us from the NC Department of Social Services and some are from private referrals such as a parent or guardian or custodian. Most foster children do not have a strong sense of belonging or self-worth. Many have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.
All children who are in foster care require special care, support and nurturing.
FAQS
How long does it take to become a licensed foster parent?
On average, it takes three to eight months, depending on how quickly the requirements are completed.
How long does it take to get a child placed within my home?
Once you are licensed, placements can start immediately.
Can I specify a certain age, gender or race of the child, or say no to a potential placement?
Yes, it is Turning Point Family Services’ goal to match the child with the best possible family.
How many children can be placed within my family?
State law mandates no more than four children in the home (including your own children).
Can I have more than one child in a room?
Yes, however, the room must be large enough to accommodate the children.
What happens if the child isn’t compatible with my family?
Turning Point Family Services makes every effort to ensure the success of all placements, however, if that is not possible, another Treatment Family will be found for the child.
What are the rewards for being a foster parent?
The rewards are boundless and include: sharing your love with a child in need of a caring adult, feeling the satisfaction of helping a child during a critical time in their life, sharing the joy of new experiences with a child, maintaining a flexible schedule, and earning extra income (based upon an agreed upon daily rate).
What support will I have?
The Treatment Family is provided with a dedicated case manager along with 24-hour on-call support in the event of an emergency