Family Resource Network and Kaleidoscope Counseling has a home office located in Colorado Springs; however, licensure is provided to families throughout the state of Colorado. Family Resource Network and Kaleidoscope Counseling completes the licensure process for kinship; respite providers; and foster and adoptive families. This process is inclusive of the home study background checks; home inspections; and trainings and supports. At Family Resource Network and Kaleidoscope Counseling, we take pride in our foster parents and the quality care that they provide to the families and children that we serve.
how to become a foster parent in maryland
Becoming a foster parent is not easy. Consider the fact that you will have to make yourself available at any time, sleep on your couch until the child finds his or her forever home and go through a home study process in order to become a foster parent. If this sounds appealing to you, then read on!
how to become a foster mom
Becoming a foster mom isn’t easy but it’s worth it. You can make a difference in the life of a child who has found themselves caught up in the system. When you become a foster mother, you will have to deal with behavior issues, medical and educational needs and so much more. But it’s worth it to provide these children with stability, love and care while they find themselves new homes with their forever families.
The Process
The licensing process typically takes between two and four months to complete. The process includes multiple trainings which are required, and the assessment process is time consuming. When an initial application is turned in, we must review it to ensure that the person or family is qualified to provide foster care according to regulations. When this determination has been made we move forward with background checks through Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Department of Human Services, Department of Motor Vehicle, Federal Bureau of Investigations as required and Central Registry.
We also refer the prospective foster parents to any necessary training (Core, First Aid and CPR). When the paperwork and trainings have been completed, we move forward with the home study process. This includes an in-depth assessment of everyone in your home. This process may feel very intrusive but is necessary to determine the appropriateness of the applicant in regards to life experiences, parenting styles, willingness to work with birth families, etc. When the home study is complete, it must then be approved by our clinical placement supervisor. Though the licensing process seems time consuming and tedious, it is very necessary to ensure that we are basing decisions off of a clear, concise assessment of the family in order to provide a safe and nurturing place for the children and families that we serve.
Some Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Current Driver’s License
- Current Car Insurance
- Current Renters/Home Owners Insurance
- Provide a loving and safe home
- Willing to work in best interest of children and families
- Submit to background checks
- Pets and people in the home must have clean bill of health
- Home must be in safe condition
- Must be financially stable
- Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification
We assist with the certification and licensure of several types of homes to include:
Regular foster homes can have no more than four foster children
Needs Based Homes are certified for a maximum of six youth. Needs Based Homes will care for children and youth who require foster care services with some aspects of higher level care and coordination. The children or youth have more substantial health and medical needs and their needs regarding supervision, transportation, education, medical and contact are substantially more than those of many children or youth in regular foster homes. Reimbursement rates for Needs Based Homes are significantly higher than for regular foster care. This allows for the Needs Based Home parent(s) to not have outside employment. Caring for the children and youth are a full-time job.
Families can be:
- Single or married
- Rent or own house/apartment
- Have children or not
