Foster Care Services 

Foster Parent New Hire Requirements

Foster Parent New Hire Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years of age or older.

  • Complete and submit Professional Foster Parent Application.

    • To print out hard copy application and submit by fax - click Application

    • To fill out on-line copy application and submit via email - click On-line Application 

  • Must complete 32 hours of training prior to placement and 30 hours annually. 

    •      Initial training is done according to your schedule and how quickly you can do it. 

    •         Annual Trainings will be given by New Beginnings monthly.

    •         Fill out the Home Study report and turn it in with your Trainings. 

  • Require copies of

    •      Drivers license,

    •         Social security card,

    •      Recent Pay stubs,

    •         Renters/home owner insurance declaration page,

    •         Marriage license,

    •         Auto insurance with 100,000/300,000 worth of coverage. 

  • Need to have a TB test done and a copy of the results must be turned in.

  • Need to have a copy of your driving record, needs to be updated annually.    

  •  Need to have your Dr. complete a medical reference letter.

  • Must have Reference checks completed before placement.  (office will complete reference checks)

  • Must be able to have all Medications locked up with a key. 

  • Need to lock up all chemical cleaners, aerosols, gasoline, paint thinners, anything harmful.

  • Must have an ABC large fire extinguisher in the home. (preferably near the kitchen)

  • Must have a Smoke detector in each room and a carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home.

  • Must have a first aid kit in the home as well as in each car.

  • You need to have disaster escape plans posted on each level of the home ( also make a copy for New Beginnings). 

  • You also need to have an emergency phone number list posted by the phone and in each car with your first aid kits. 

  • All bedrooms must have a window that is large enough for you to exit the home.

Professional Foster Parent Expectations 

Professional Foster Parent Expectations 

  • You are expected to be on time and present to all scheduled appointments whether or not youth is required to be in attendance.  

  • Youth will be required to be enrolled in school within two weeks of placement. 

  • Youth will need to attend scheduled weekly therapy appointments. 

  • Youth may have visitation with biological family etc. that you will need to take them too and pick them up from. 

  • Youth and Foster parents need to attend all court hearings unless excused by the GAL or Caseworker.   

  • New Beginnings will be visiting the home once a month and can stop in at any time. 

  • Youth will have a medication management appointment monthly if on medications. 

  • The youth’s caseworker will visit the home once a month. 

  • Foster Parents are required to attend all Family team meetings (at least quarterly) and any other meetings called on behalf of the child.

  • Must fill out monthly paperwork and turn in by the 1st of the next month. 

  • Must give at least two weeks notice for vacations.

  • Must attend all mandatory Trainings (usually once a month)

  • Must keep training requirements and insurances up to date.

  • Evacuation drills need to be done in the home monthly. 

  • You are expected to act respectfully and responsibly at any time that you are dealing with anyone associated with New Beginnings, DCFS, DSPD or any other government official.