Youth and Family Services seeks adults who can provide a structured environment along with nurturing and emotional support for youth who are unable to remain with their biological families. To become a Foster Parent or Respite Parent the following criteria must be met:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• In good physical and emotional health
  
• No history of child abuse/neglect
  
• No criminal history
  
• No current alcohol/drug problems
  
• May be married or single (no roommates)
  
• Possess good parenting skills
  
• Creative and flexible
  
• Must complete pre-service training
  
• Willing to complete psychological testing or alcohol/drug evaluation, if deemed necessary
  
• Willing to complete background checks such as Central Registry, Department of Motor Vehicles,
• Criminal Background, Sexual Offenders, etc.

Role of the Foster Parent

Foster Parents, in their own homes, provide youth with structure, consistency and necessary emotional support. Foster Parents will work with youth between the ages of 0-19 years whose special needs limit their success in traditional foster care. These youth may have special behavioral or emotional needs including: poor school performance, criminal activity, aggression, mentally challenged, abuse/neglect victims and alcohol/drug problems.

Foster Parents are expected to implement treatment plans as developed by the treatment team and provide an environment conducive toward social growth, self-help, academic success and life skills. Foster Parents are also expected to report progress or concerns to the assigned Case Coordinator on a regular basis. It is mandatory that the Foster Parent be an active team player.

What Foster Care Providers Receive

Above all, Foster Parents receive satisfaction from making a difference in the future of youth. Foster Parents will also receive:

• Specialized Training
  
• On-Call Support
  
• Generous Stipend
  
• Ongoing Training and Support Groups
  
• Weekly In-Home Consultation for full-time parents
  

Share Your Heart and Home Become a Foster Parent

If you or anyone else you know is interested in becoming either a Treatment Foster Parent or a Respite Parent, please contact Behavioral Health Specialists, Inc. at (402) 370-3140 and request to speak with Youth and Family Services. 

Youth & Family Services

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Outpatient • Psychological • EAP Works • Anger Management • IOP • Community Support • Crisis Response • Drug Testing • Foster Care • Respite Care • Home Studies • Family Support & Community Treatment Aid • Parent Assist • SOS • Sunrise Place