 Find Out What it Takes to Become a Theraputic Foster Parent!
Join us at our upcoming therapeutic foster parent training session June 1-2 and 8-9 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This training session is ideal for anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent. This informative session will help you to learn about the type of care and the home environment that is needed for these at-risk kids. If you are just exploring the idea of becoming a foster parent or you are ready to begin today, this course will introduce you to Eagle Ridge Institute and provide guidance on the certification process. You can positively impact the lives of these children; please don't let this opportunity pass you by!
If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a therapeutic foster parent, please contact us at 405-840-1359 or email Micah Campbell at mcampbell1113@eagleridgeok.org to reserve your training spot or just to get more information. On Foster Parenting...
"They're all my children, they're all my family," she said smiling. This foster mom spoke quietly, so as not to wake her little ones. She had three year old twins sleeping in their playpen and a new baby girl sleeping in her cradle. The baby had just come to her, after six weeks in the hospital. "I'm not just her foster mother... When she was still in the hospital, with all of those tubes sticking out of her, I'd visit everyday. The nurses said 'Why are you here every day, you're not her mom?' I am her mother, I'd say to them. I love this poor little child! Everything I do for that baby is important; the normal things I do for my own children and the special things she needs. You know - mothering, just the way I always do it. That's what I love to do! I am the most important person in that baby's life. Our family can change her life!"
~ Danielle Wozniak~ They're All My Children: Foster Mothering in America. NYU Press, 1981.
What is Foster Care?
Foster home care is a safe, temporary placement providing 24 hour a day substitute care for children in Oklahoma Department of Human Services custody. The children range in age from birth to 18 years and are of all races, cultures and religions.
Can I foster more than one child?
Often, children enter the Child Welfare system with siblings and need to be placed together. Under special circumstances ERI may place more than 2 children in a home.
Can I work and be a foster parent?
Yes, many foster parents are employed. Child care may be subsidized through the foster parents' reimbursement.
Will I be paid to be a foster parent?
Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement to help meet the needs of foster children based on set rates.
Will I receive training?
Yes, Foster parents complete pre-service training and additional training throughout the calendar year.
What is the foster family assessment?
During the family assessment process, a worker makes several visits to your home to obtain information about you and your family. You and all adults in your home are asked to consent to a criminal background check. You will also complete an application, a financial statement and provide a medical statement from the doctor of your choice. You will be asked to provide personal references.
Will I work with the child's birth parents?
Yes, you may be able to work with the child's birth parent. The OKDHS Foster Parent Program is comprised of a team of persons working together to do what is in the best interest of children. The goal for a child placed in OKDHS custody is to achieve safety and permanency as soon as possible which includes working with the child's birth parents towards reunification.
Who Can Become a Foster Parent?
Single or married people who:
* Are at least 21 years old.
* Are financially able to provide for their own family's present needs.
* Do not have a history of alleged or confirmed child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse.
* Have or can provide sufficient beds and bedrooms for additional children.
* Have a working vehicle and telephone.
* Are in good physical and mental health.
* Have the ability to understand, love, care for and accept a child to whom they did not give birth.
* Make a commitment to any child placed in their care by working with Child Welfare to resolve any problems or concerns.
* Understands that foster care is not a lifetime commitment to a child, but a commitment to nurture and support a child during a difficult time. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eagle Ridge Institute
Oklahoma City: (405) 840-1359
McAlester: (918) 429-1100
Wagoner: (918) 485-3554 |
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May is National Foster Care Month!
There are 424,000 American youth in foster care. No matter how much time you have to give, you can do something positive that will "change a lifetime" for a young person in foster care. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.fostercaremonth.org today.  |
THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE |