In your role as a foster parent, you will make an essential difference in the life of a child who has experienced trauma and/or neglect. Some of the specific duties and activities include:
Provide a safe home for the foster child, and meet his/her emotional, developmental and physical needs
Share information about the child with the Department of Child Safety (DCS), biological parents/relatives and other professionals working with the child
Participate in regular home visits conducted by the foster child’s DCS Child Safety Specialist and our StepStone licensing specialist
Take the child to medical, dental, counseling and other appointments as necessary
Ensure the child participates in typical child-related community activities such as school, sports, clubs and other organized events
Maintain documentation of the child’s appointments, behaviors and records
Provide appropriate clothing, personal products, school supplies and allowance as required by the state
Work within the adoption process to find a forever home
As approved by the child’s DCS case manager, you may also:
Maintain contact with the biological parents to help keep them involved with their child. This could include letters or notes, telephone calls or face-to-face visits at the DCS office or other safe location
Assist in the transition of the foster child back to his/her biological family home
Help transport the child to/from visitations with biological parents