Be A Foster Parent
Who can be a foster parent?
- Delaware resident
- Single or married at least one year
- Between the ages of 21 and 65
- Sufficient income to support the foster parents' own family
- Willingness to learn about children's needs and developmental stages
- Ability to work with birth family and Children & Families First team on behalf of the child
- Criminal history check, medical reports and mandated training completed
What kind of help do foster parents receive?
The agency helps the prospective foster family assess their readiness to provide foster care, provides training and offers ongoing support and consultation. Foster parents are part of a team, which includes a part-time nurse and social worker, to meet the needs of the child or children.
Foster parents receive a monthly board payment to cover the child's expenses. This amount is determined by the age and level of care the child requires. Medical expenses are covered by Medicaid, the State Of Delaware, or the birth family's insurance.
What are the basic roles of foster parents?
Prospective parents participate in Foster PRIDE/Adopt PRIDE training to help them develop skills to:
- Protect and nurture children
- Meet the developmental needs of children
- Support relationships between children and their birth families
- Promote permanent plans, either reunification or adoption, for children
- Participate as essential and effective members of a professional team
