Foster Care Navigator Program Booklet

Thank you for contacting the Foster Care Navigator Program to inquire about joining our league of Super Parents! Fostering children in the State of Michigan requires super ability from families with a super heart. We have included a variety of information in this packet to help you learn more about Foster Care and the licensing process.

Enclosed you will find: A LIST OF MICHIGAN FOSTER CARE AGENCIES BY COUNTY BECOME A FOSTER PARENT- CHILDREN NEED A LOVING HOME SHARE YOURS (DHS PUB 650) SATISFACTION SURVEY OF FOSTER CARE NAVIGATOR PROGRAM SERVICES OTHER WAYS TO HELP (LISTING OF AGENCIES FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES) WHERE DO I BEGIN GUIDE BOOK (ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS REGARDING FOSTER CARE) DHS CHECKLIST- FINDING AN AGENCY THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU THE FOSTER PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS FOSTER CARE NAVIGATOR PROGRAM NEWSLETTER FOSTER CARE NAVIGATOR PROGRAM BROCHURE CERTIFICATION PROCESS- BEST PRACTICE TIMEFRAME FLOWCHART TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF POSTCARD

Your next step is to research agencies within your area and attend an orientation. After which you will be expected to complete an application, Family Assessment, and State and agency specific training. During this process, our team of Foster Care Navigators would like to assist you in any way possible. A navigator will be assigned to your family to assist with questions you have regarding the licensing and placement process. As such, they will act as mentors for your family.

Our team of Foster Care Navigators are experienced foster parents who thoroughly understand the licensing, support and placement process. Consider them to be a “friend on the inside” of foster care. In many ways, they will serve as a liaison to both yourself and your licensing agency; working to expedite the licensing timeframe.

As you set your sails toward fostering, we hope to help you navigate your way by answering questions, empowering you and be a listening ear when you need it the most. In the meantime, dive into your information packet and let us know if you have any questions!

Kind regards,

Tammy Foster Care Navigator

Michelle

Melissa

Foster Care Navigator Foster Care Navigator

Harmony Foster Care Navigator

Katie Foster Care Navigator Supervisor

Heath Foster Care Navigator Program Manager

3840 Packard Rd. Suite 170 Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Phone: 888.335.3882 Web: www.fcnp.org Fax: 734.528.1695

Where Do I Begin?

Answers to Your Questions About Foster Care What is foster care?

The State of Michigan is in need of caring individuals who can provide a safe and nurturing home environment for children who have been placed out of their home due to abuse or neglect. Foster Care is founded on the premise that all children have the right to physical care and educational and emotional nurturance. The family foster care program is designed to provide a substitute family life experience for a child in a household that has been approved and licensed by the Michigan Department of Human Services or by a private agency contracted with the state to provide foster care.

be sharing private and personal information. They will also become your strongest advocate in this process.

What’s the difference between foster care and adoption?

Foster care differs from adoption in a few ways. A foster parent assumes care and responsibility for the foster child, but the State maintains all legal guardianship of the child.

Adoption transfers legal responsibility and care over to the adopting parents.

Children may need foster care for a temporary or extended period of time. The primary goal during foster care is to reunite the child with his or her parents. The foster family plays an important role in the treatment plan for the child and family. Under the "team" approach, foster parents or relatives, together with the worker, attempt to provide the specific kind of help a child and his family need for reuniting the child with the parents. When the child cannot be reunited with the parents, the children are prepared for permanent placement, with relatives, the foster family or non-related adoptive families. For older youth, the permanency goal can sometimes be preparation for independent living.

A foster parent’s primary role is to help in efforts to reunite the child with their birth family. This may include visits between the child and birth parents (when appropriate), taking a child to counseling (if needed), and working closely with the foster care worker. Children may stay in the foster home for several days, weeks or months – perhaps even a year or longer – while birth parents are working to resolve the issues that brought the children into care in the first place. Sometimes, a child is unable to return home; it is then that the court terminates parental rights and the child becomes available for adoption.

What is the first step in becoming a foster parent?

Adoptive parents become the child’s legal parent. Their lifelong commitment and responsibility are no less important than if the child was born to them.

The first step is to find an agency to complete your licensing process. Every county has a local Department of Human Services (DHS) agency, and many counties have private agencies contracted with the State of Michigan to provide foster care services to families.

A complete list of agencies providing foster care services can be found at:

www.fcnp.org When you first contact an agency, be sure to ask them plenty of questions – any question you have is important enough to be answered. You may want to ask:    

How long will the foster care licensing process take?

What types of children are typically placed in foster homes though this agency?

What services are provided to me once my license is opened and a child or children are placed in my home?

When and where are the orientation and foster parent training classes held?

Feel free to call several agencies and ask them the same kinds of questions before making a final decision. Be sure you feel comfortable with the agency you choose; you will be working closely with them for a long time during the process, and will

What types of needs do foster children have?

It is important to remember that children in foster care have the same needs as children who live in a stable family environment. They are placed in foster care based on the actions or inactions of the adults, not because of something that they did wrong or because of bad behavior.

However, it is important to realize that children in foster care have had traumatic past experiences that may include physical,

Where Do I Begin?

Answers to Your Questions About Foster Care sexual, or emotional abuse and/or neglect. Others may have been drug and/or alcohol exposed. Most children in foster care have some level of special emotional, cognitive, learning, physical, health or developmental need based on these traumatic experiences. All of these children have experienced the grief and loss of having been separated from their families.

Do I have to be married to be a foster parent?

Your agency will ask you about the types of children for whom you are willing to care. The agency’s final recommendation will be based on your preferences and the agency’s assessment of your skills and abilities. Ongoing training opportunities are offered to foster parents to increase the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of the children placed in their home.

Do I have to own my own home?

You don’t have to be married to adopt or foster a child or children. Many children will thrive in a single parent home.

Only one parent of a non married couple can legally adopt a child in Michigan. Michigan permits single GLBT adoption but prohibits joint adoption.

You don’t have to own your own home to adopt or foster a child. A rented house or apartment is fine, as long as there is adequate bedroom space per child. The home must be free from health and fire hazards, and must have a safe play area for children.

Do I need to be a stay-at-home parent to be a foster parent?

You do not need to give up your job and stay home full time in order to foster children. Foster parents are eligible for day care payments for the time that they are working or continuing their education.

Do I need to make a lot of money?

Should I become a foster parent so I can adopt a child?

Because foster care is considered to be a temporary placement, not every child that comes into your home will be eligible for adoption. A foster parent is expected to work with the agency and birth parents, in the hopes that the family will be reunited.

A foster parent must be objective, and must be able to assist a child if and when it comes time for that child to leave the foster home.

You do not have to be rich to adopt or be a foster parent.

Even if you receive some type of financial assistance, you are still eligible to adopt or provide foster care as long as you have adequate financial resources to provide for your family and the additional children you with to bring into your home.

“My family should be made out of love and kindness.”

Sometimes, however, children are unable to return home. If parental rights are terminated, relatives and foster parents are given consideration for adoption.

What does “foster-to-adopt” mean? What about “dual licensing”?

“Foster-to-adopt” means families become foster parents with the hope and intent that they will adopt a foster child that comes into their home. In Michigan, we call this same process “dual licensing.” Families complete the foster care licensing requirements and the adoption requirements at the same time.

It saves time and reduces duplicate paperwork. It is also beneficial to children because they won’t move as often.

What is a home study?

The home study (also called a family assessment) is done by a social worker at a licensed child placing agency, and typically takes at least six months to complete. The home study consists of a series of meetings between the family and the

Where Do I Begin?

Answers to Your Questions About Foster Care licensing worker, with at least one meeting occurring in the family’s home. It provides an educational opportunity for the family to learn more and seriously consider their motivations and expectations for foster care. It also gives the licensing worker a chance to get to know the family.

The home study generally includes the following: Personal History – A complete history and evaluation of your current family life and past experiences – and how they will affect your capacity to parent children in foster care – is written. This helps the licensing worker decide how a child will fit into your family, and determine what type of child might do best in your home. Children living in the home are also interviewed (depending on their age and level of understanding) about how they feel and what being a foster family means to them. Any other adult in the home (parents, aunts, cousins, live-together partners), will also be interviewed.

Health Statements – Everyone in your home will need to provide a medical history and a recent physical (within one year). A medical condition that is under control (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.) usually will not prevent a person from being approved to provide foster care.

Criminal Background CheckAll adults living in the home will need to complete a State Police check and Protective Service clearance. Some counties may also require local police clearances, as well. Foster parents will also need to provide fingerprints.

Income Statement – You will be asked to provide proof of your income, such as a copy of an income tax form, a paycheck stub, or a W-2 form. Bank statements and insurance policies may also be requested.

Personal References- You will be asked to provide the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three unrelated individuals who can share their knowledge about your experience with children, the stability of your marriage and/or household, and your motivation to provide foster care.

Training – You will need to complete a minimum of 12 hours of Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) training.

What happens once my license is opened? Is there any guarantee that children will be placed in my

home? How long will it take for a child to be placed in my home?

There are no guarantees that a child will be placed into your home. Becoming a licensed foster home merely makes the placement of a child possible. Having a child placed is dependent on the “types” of children needing foster care, the availability of homes in the community, and on the placement specifications for each foster home. The timeframe for placement of a child in a newly licensed home varies widely and is dependent on many factors.

Your agency will contact you about any possible placement of a child or children in your home. You will have the opportunity to discuss the known needs of the child with the agency prior to the child’s placement in your home and to decide whether you are willing and able to meet their needs.

Foster parents are not required to take any child into their home at any time.

Is there some kind of financial assistance available if I choose to foster a child?

There is financial assistance available for those who provide foster care. Foster care payments are not meant to cover all expenses incurred in raising a child; rather, these payments are meant to help offset some of the cost. Foster parents are given a modest initial and semiannual clothing allowance as well as a holiday allowance for youth placed in the home.

The amount paid is dependent on the needs of the child, not the family. The amount is set by the State agency responsible for the child’s care Children in foster care are also eligible for dental, medical and vision coverage through Medicaid, daycare subsidies, free school meals, WIC, high school graduation and prom expenses and tuition assistance for older youth. Eligibility for these and many other supportive services for families caring for youth in foster care are not based on the foster parents’ income.

What are the qualifications for becoming a licensed foster parent?

Foster care is seen as a short term solution to an emergency situation. Agencies need committed individuals who are:  Willing to work with the child’s birth parents  Supportive of efforts to return the child home  Able to work with children who have significant emotional and behavioral needs

Where Do I Begin?

Answers to Your Questions About Foster Care 

Able to encourage teens toward independent living

Anyone applying to become a foster parent must be between 18 and 65 years of age, and be able to:       

Complete a licensing application Successfully complete background clearances for all adult household members Provide medical statements for all household members Have an environmental inspection (when applicable) Provide three acceptable references Pass on-site visits to the home by the licensing worker Attend training pertinent to foster care issues

Training is required annually after licensure for each person named on the license. You will need to keep the agency informed about your family and to maintain compliance with the foster home licensing rules.

Helpful Resources: Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) www.mare.org 800-589-6273 Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) www.michigan.gov/dhs MAFAK - Michigan Association for Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Parents www.mafak.msu.edu/ Child Welfare League of America www.cwla.org 703-412-2400 Child Welfare Information Gateway www.childwelfare.gov FosterClub’s Booster Club www.booster.fosterclub.com

Foster Care Navigators 3840 Packard Rd Suite 170 Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Phone 888.335.3882 Fax: 734.528.2060 www.fcnp.org

Finding an Agency That’s Right for You Becoming a foster parent requires you to work with an agency and we want to make sure you find an agency that’s right for you. Use this checklist as a guide to ask questions. Take notes and feel free to interview a couple agencies until you’re certain you’ve found the right one.

Ask for referrals. Check with friends, foster/adoptive parent groups, and faith communities to see if they recommend a particular agency.

Make a list. Make sure you know all of the agencies located in your area.

Get to know them. Meet with the agency’s workers to find out what services and support they offer. Ask to speak to current foster and adoptive parents to learn how their experience has been.

Know your timeline. Ask how long it takes the agency to license a foster home.

Be prepared. Ask the agency about foster parent requirements and expectations regarding parenting time and transporting foster children to appointments.

Set your training schedule. Ask the agency when and how often it offers PRIDE training and request a schedule.

Get help. Ask if the agency has a foster/adoptive parent mentoring program and/or support group.

Get the facts. Ask for the agency's standards of practice, such as how long it takes them to return phone calls, protocol for after-hours emergencies, etc.

Trust your instincts. Choose an agency you are compatible with and don't work with an agency you haven't personally investigated.

Agencies are regulated by the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing.

MICHIGAN FOSTER CARE AGENCIES

BY COUNTY

4/11/12 – TMG

ALCONA COUNTY Alcona County DHS Alpena 989-354-7200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Child and Family Services of the UP Alpena 989-356-4567 Foster Care and Adoption Call for Orientation schedule

ALGER COUNTY Alger County DHS Munising 906-387-4440 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ALLEGAN COUNTY Allegan County DHS Allegan 269-673-7700 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ALPENA COUNTY Alpena County DHS Alpena 989-354-7200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Child & Family Services of NE MI Alpena 989-356-4048 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ANTRIM COUNTY Antrim County DHS Bellaire 231-533-8664 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ARENAC COUNTY Arenac County DHS Standish 989-846-5500 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

BARAGA COUNTY 4/11/12 – TMG

Baraga County DHS Baraga 906-353-4700 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule MI Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA) (Provides services primarily to Native American families) Baraga 906-353-4201 (Foster care only) Orientations held as needed in office, normally have an annual recruitment push

BARRY COUNTY Barry County DHS Hastings 269-948-3200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

BAY COUNTY Bay County DHS Essexville 989-895-2100 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Catholic Family Services of the Diocese of Saginaw Bay City 989-892-2504 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

BENZIE COUNTY Benzie County DHS Beulah 231-882-1330 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

BERRIEN COUNTY Berrien County DHS Benton Harbor 269-934-2000 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

BRANCH COUNTY Branch County DHS Coldwater 517-279-4200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

CALHOUN COUNTY Calhoun County DHS Battle Creek 269-966-1284 4/11/12 – TMG

Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Family and Children’s Services Battle Creek 269-965-3247 Kalamazoo 269-344-0202 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations are held the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Kalamazoo office, orientation video on website Note: Adoption and foster care programs are merging, trying to streamline dual licensing Starr Commonwealth Albion 517-629-5591 Call for orientation schedule Youth Guidance Foster Care & Adoption Ctr. Battle Creek 269-969-9438 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations are held as needed in office Currently scheduling start of studies within the month

CASS COUNTY Cass County DHS Cassopolis 269-445-0200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY Charlevoix County DHS Petoskey 231-348-1600 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY Cheboygan County DHS Cheboygan 906-635-4100 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

CHIPPEWA COUNTY Chippewa County DHS Sault Ste. Marie 906-635-4100 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Sault Tribe Binogii Placement Agency (Provides services primarily to Native American families) Sault Ste. Marie 800-726-0093 Special Needs & Infant adoptions

4/11/12 – TMG

CLARE COUNTY Clare County DHS Harrison 989-539-4260 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

CLINTON COUNTY Clinton County DHS St. Johns 989-224-5500 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

CRAWFORD COUNTY Crawford County DHS Grayling 989-348-7691 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

DELTA COUNTY Catholic Social Services of the UP Escanaba 906-786-7212 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held as needed in Escanaba and Marquette offices Delta County DHS Escanaba 906-786-5394 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

DICKINSON COUNTY Catholic Social Services of the UP Iron Mountain 906-774-3323 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held as needed in Escanaba and Marquette offices Dickinson County DHS Iron Mountain 906-779-4100 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

EATON COUNTY Eaton County DHS Charlotte 517-543-0860 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

4/11/12 – TMG

EMMET COUNTY Emmet County DHS Petoskey 231-348-1600 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

GENESSEE COUNTY Alternatives for Children & Families Burton 810-250-3800 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations are held as needed in office Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Flint 810-232-3418 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held the 2nd Tuesday of every month in Flint office, 3rd Tuesday of every month in Owosso office Ennis Center for Children Flint 810-233-4031 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations normally held 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in all Ennis offices (Flint, Detroit, Pontiac, Port Huron) Genessee County DHS Flint 810-760-2200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

GLADWIN COUNTY Gladwin County DHS Gladwin 989-426-3300 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

GOGEBIC COUNTY Gogebic County DHS Bessemer 906-663-6200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY Bethany Christian Services Traverse City 231-995-0870 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held 3rd Thursday of every month, alternate between morning and evening Child & Family Services of NW MI Traverse City 231-946-8975 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Has a Spanish-speaking staff member 4/11/12 – TMG

Grand Traverse County DHS Traverse City 231-941-3900 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

GRATIOT COUNTY Gratiot County DHS Ithaca 989-875-5181 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

HILLSDALE COUNTY Hillsdale County DHS Hillsdale 517-493-2200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

HOUGHTON COUNTY Good Will Farm, Inc. Hancock 906-487-9832 Special Needs; Foster Care Orientations held as needed at family’s home Houghton County DHS Hancock 906-482-0500 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

HURON COUNTY Huron County DHS Bad Axe 989-269-9201 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

INGHAM COUNTY Bethany Christian Services East Lansing 517-336-0191 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held 3rd Monday of every month, but double check website to be certain: www.bethany.org/eastlansing Child & Family Services - Capital Area Lansing 517-882-4000 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations schedule as needed, normally every 2 to 3 months in office Currently a 6-8 week wait to start process Ingham County DHS Lansing 517-887-9400 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule 4/11/12 – TMG

Lutheran Child and Family Services Lansing 517-886-1380 Foster Care Orientations scheduled as needed in office MI Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA) (Provides services primarily to Native American families) Lansing 517-393-3256 (Foster care only) St. Vincent Catholic Charities Lansing 517-323-4734 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7:30pm Has several Spanish-speaking staff members

IONIA COUNTY Ionia County DHS Holland 616-394-7200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

IOSCO COUNTY Iosco Ottawa County DHS East Tawas 989-362-0300 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

IRON COUNTY Iron County DHS Caspian 906-265-9958 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ISABELLA COUNTY Isabella County DHS Mt. Pleasant 989-772-8400 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Listening Ear Crisis Center Mt. Pleasant 989-773-6904

JACKSON COUNTY Family Service & Children’s Aid Jackson 517-787-7920 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Has a Spanish-speaking staff member (not in office very often) 4/11/12 – TMG

Jackson County DHS Jackson 517-780-7400 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Lutheran Child and Family Services Jackson 517-789-6444 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

KALAMZAOO COUNTY Bethany Christian Services Kalamazoo 269-372-8800 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held 1st Tuesday of every month at office Family & Children’s Services, Inc. Kalamazoo 269-344-0202 Battle Creek 269-965-3247 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations are held the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Kalamazoo office, orientation video on website Note: Adoption and foster care programs are merging, trying to streamline dual licensing Has a Spanish-speaking staff member Kalamazoo County DHS Kalamazoo 269-337-4900 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Lutheran Child and Family Services Kalamazoo 269-345-5776 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

KALKASKA COUNTY Kalkaska County DHS Kalkaska 231-258-1200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

KENT COUNTY Bethany Christian Services Grand Rapids 616-224-7550 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations are held about once a month in office, times are changing to accommodate more people Currently no homestudy wait for older children, about 6 months wait for younger/infant age Catholic Charities of West MI Grand Rapids 616-456-1443 Special Needs, Infant adoptions; Foster Care D.A. Blodgett for Children Grand Rapids 616-451-2021 4/11/12 – TMG

Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held 2nd Monday of each month in office Currently no homestudy wait for children 8 years and older, 6-9 month wait for children 8 and younger Has a Spanish-speaking staff member Family Outreach Center Grand Rapids 616-247-3815 Call for orientation schedule Kent County DHS Grand Rapids 616-248-1000 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule MI Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA) (Provides services primarily to Native American families) Grand Rapids 616-454-9221 (Foster care only) Wedgwood Grand Rapids 616-942-2110 Call for orientation schedule

KENWEENAW COUNTY Kenweenaw County DHS Mohawk 906-337-3302 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

LAKE COUNTY Lake County DHS Baldwin 231-745-8159 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

LAPEER COUNTY Adoption Specialists, Inc. Lapeer 810-660-7590 Special Needs adoption; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Lapeer County DHS Lapeer 810-667-0800 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

LEELANAU COUNTY Leelanau County DHS Traverse City 231-941-3900 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

4/11/12 – TMG

LENAWEE COUNTY Catholic Charities of Lenawee Adrian 517-263-2191 Special Needs, Infant adoptions; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Family Counseling & Children’s Services Adrian 517-265-5352 Special Needs, Infant adoption; Foster Care Orientations are scheduled as needed in office or family’s home Lenawee County DHS Adrian 517-264-6300 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

LIVINGSTON COUNTY Livingston County DHS Howell 517-548-0200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

LUCE COUNTY Luce County DHS Newberry 906-293-5144 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MACKINAC COUNTY Mackinac County DHS Saint Ignace 906-643-9550 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MACOMB COUNTY Family Adoption Consultants Utica 586-726-2988 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Macomb County DHS Clinton Township 586-412-6100 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

4/11/12 – TMG

MANISTEE COUNTY Manistee County DHS South Manistee 231-723-8375 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MARQUETTE COUNTY Catholic Social Services of the UP Marquette 906-228-8630 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held as needed in Escanaba and Marquette offices Has a Spanish-speaking staff member

Child and Family Services of the UP, Inc. Marquette 906-228-4025 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held as needed in family’s homes New families would be finished within 90 days Marquette County DHS Marquette 906-228-9691 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Teaching Family Homes of Upper MI Marquette 906-249-5437 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Upper Peninsula Family Solutions Marquette 906-273-1095 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care

MASON COUNTY Mason County DHS Ludington 231-845-7391 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MECOSTA COUNTY Mecosta County DHS Big Rapids 231-796-4300 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MENOMINEE COUNTY Menominee County DHS Menominee 906-863-9965 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule 4/11/12 – TMG

MI Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA) (Provides services primarily to Native American families) Wilson 906-466-9221 (Foster care only)

MIDLAND COUNTY Midland County DHS Midland 989-835-7040 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MISSAUKEE COUNTY Missaukee County DHS Cadillac 231-779-4500 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MONROE COUNTY Monroe County DHS Monroe 734-243-7200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MONTCALM COUNTY Montcalm County DHS Stanton 989-831-8400 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MONTMORENCY COUNTY Montmorency County DHS Atlanta 989-785-4218 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

MUSKEGON COUNTY Bethany Christian Services Muskegon 231-733-1618 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations scheduled as needed in the office.

Currently no wait list.

Catholic Charities of West MI Muskegon 231-726-4735 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations scheduled as needed in office or family’s home 4/11/12 – TMG

Muskegon County DHS Muskegon Heights 231-733-3700 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

NEWAYGO COUNTY Bethany Christian Services Fremont 231-924-3390 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Newaygo County DHS White Cloud 231-689-5500 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

OAKLAND COUNTY Adoption Options Worldwide, Inc. West Bloomfield 248-855-2813 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Bethany Christian Services Madison Heights 248-414-4080 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations normally held 3rd Tuesday of every month Childhelp Southfield 248-353-0921 Special Needs adoption; Foster Care Orientations held 2nd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday of every month Has a Spanish-speaking staff member Ennis Center for Children Pontiac 248-334-2715 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations normally held 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at the 4 different locations Oakland County DHS Pontiac 248-975-4800 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Oakland Family Services Pontiac 248-858-7766 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Has a Spanish-speaking staff member Orchards Children’s Services Southfield 248-593-2175 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Spaulding for Children Southfield 248-443-7080 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Spectrum Human Services Southfield 248-552-8020 4/11/12 – TMG

Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations scheduled as needed, normally 2-3 per month, held in office Can contract a Spanish translator to assist with Spanish-speaking families.

St. Francis Family Center Southfield 248-552-0750 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care

OCEANA COUNTY Oceana County DHS Hart 231-873-7251 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

OGEMAW COUNTY Ogemaw County DHS West Branch 989-345-5135 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ONTONAGON COUNTY Ontonagon County DHS Ontonagon 906-884-4951 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

OSCEOLA COUNTY Eagle Village Hersey 231-832-7270 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Osceola County DHS Big Rapids 231-796-4300 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

OSCODA COUNTY Oscoda County DHS Mio 989-826-4000 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

OTSEGO COUNTY Otsego County DHS Gaylord 989-732-1702 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule 4/11/12 – TMG

OTTAWA COUNTY Bethany Christian Services Holland 616-396-0623 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Has a Spanish-speaking staff member (non-fluent) Ottawa County DHS Holland 616-394-7200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Pathways, MI Holland and Muskegon 616-396-2301 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations are held individually as needed, either in the offices or family’s home.

Has a Spanish-speaking staff member

PRESQUE COUNTY Presque County DHS Rogers City 898-734-2108 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ROSCOMMON COUNTY Roscommon County DHS Roscommon 989-275-5107 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

SAGINAW COUNTY Saginaw County DHS Saginaw 989-758-1100 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

ST. CLAIR COUNTY Ennis Center for Children Port Huron 810-990-1424 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations normally held 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at the 4 different locations No upfront fee, no transfer fee St. Clair County DHS St. Clair 810-966-2000 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

4/11/12 – TMG

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY St. Joseph County DHS Centerville 269467-1200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

SANILAC COUNTY Sanilac County DHS Sandusky 810-648-4420 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY Schoolcraft County DHS Manistique 906-341-2114 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY Shiawassee County DHS Owosso 989-725-3200 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

TUSCOLA COUNTY New Light Child & Family Consultants Millington 989-871-6695 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations scheduled as needed in the family’s home Tuscola County DHS Caro 989-673-9100 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

VANBUREN COUNTY VanBuren County DHS Hartford 269-621-2800 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

WASHTENAW COUNTY Fostering Futures Ypsilanti 734-481-8999 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations scheduled as needed either in office or family’s home 4/11/12 – TMG

Hands Across the Water Ann Arbor 734-477-0135 Special Needs, Infant, International adoptions; Foster Care Orientations scheduled as needed, often at least once per month in office Has a Spanish-speaking staff member (non-fluent) Washtenaw County DHS Ypsilanti 734-481-2000 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

WAYNE COUNTY Catholic Social Services of Wayne County Detroit 313-883-2100 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held every 3 months or one-on-one as needed Ennis Center for Children Detroit 313-342-2699 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations normally held 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at the 4 different locations Federation of Youth Services Detroit 313-571-4707 Call for Orientation Schedule Girlstown Foundation Belleville 734-691-7242 Call for orientation schedule Homes for Black Children Detroit 313-961-4777 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held 1st Monday of the month unless a holiday, then next Monday Judson Center Redford 313-794-5653 Special Needs & Infant adoptions; Foster Care Orientations held 2nd Wednesday of every month, Methodist Children’s Home Society Redford 313-531-4060 Special Needs adoptions; Foster Care Orientations are part of PRIDE training, held at office Currently 3 months behind, down a worker The Children’s Center of Wayne County Detroit 313-831-5535 Special Needs adoption; Foster Care Has a Spanish-speaking staff member Vista Maria Dearborn 313-271-3050 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

4/11/12 – TMG

Wayne County DHS Detroit 313-456-1000 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule Wayne Center for the Developmentally Disabled Detroit 313-871-2337 Call for orientation schedule Wolverine Human Services Taylor 888-625-8669 Special Needs, Infant adoption; Foster Care Orientations held monthly in Taylor, Warren, and Flint offices

WEXFORD COUNTY Wexford County DHS Cadillac 231-779-4500 Foster Care Call for Orientation schedule

4/11/12 – TMG

Certification Process-Best Practice Timeframes

Inquiry Call *Provide orientation dates

Schedule regular and frequent orientations. *Orientation video and presentation on needed paperwork. *Obtain signed application. *Sign applicant up for fingerprinting. *Provide PRIDE training schedule and develop a plan to complete. *Provide copies of medical statements.

Following Orientation and Prior to 1st Home Visit Within 2 weeks after orientation. *Follow up with Families that did not submit signed application after orientation.

Applicant Activities

*Be available for home visits. *Discuss Training Plan. *Begin PRIDE pre-service training. *Schedule/Complete Fingerprinting. *Schedule Medical. *Provide References and contacts for adult children.

*Send out requests for references. *Begin checking for out of state central registry. *Request environmental (if needed). *Submit application and 1326 for enrollment.

Schedule 1st Home Visit within 2 weeks of application date.

Certification Worker Activities

Complete 2 Home Visits

1-30 days of Application Date

1st Home Visit *Conduct assessment of the physical space (measure bedrooms, check water temperature, identify potential barriers). *Collect medical statements or establish a plan to obtain them. *Begin interviewing the HHM to gather social history.

2nd Home Visit *Continue interviewing HHM’s. *Follow up on progress towards completion of PRIDE. Other Activities *Begin interviewing adult children. *Monthly Supervisor/Worker Consultation.

*Be available for monthly home visit. *Complete fingerprinting (if not complete). *Complete medical. *Complete 12 hours PRIDE training. *Gather necessary information such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, monthly bills and income, etc. *Maintain contact with certification worker. *Complete medical statements.

*Provide any outstanding paperwork to certification worker. *Maintain contact with certification worker.

*Maintain contact with certification. *Provide any additional information.

*Complete remaining 12 hours of PRIDE preservice. *Provide copies of birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate prior to issuance of original license.

31-60 days of Application Date

61-90 days of Application Date

*Conduct Monthly HV with applicant(s). *Complete first portion of home assessment (3130). *Continue interviewing/assessment. *Identify barriers, establish plan to address barriers. *Monthly Supervisor/Worker Consultation.

*Monthly HV with applicant(s). *Wrap up Assessment. *Follow up from previous month and resolve any barriers. *Write Assessment. *Monthly Supervisor/Worker Conference.

91-120 days of Application Date

*Finalize Family Assessment. *Meet with Supervisor to discuss assessment. *Submit BCAL 3130 include any variances or ARTS for review. *Monthly HV with applicant(s) until license is issued. *BCAL Reviews and Approves/Denies License. *BCAL issues license.

Prior to issuance of original license.

*Follow up with family regarding remaining 12 hours of PRIDE pre-service training. *Maintain contact with family to assist in gathering the remaining verifications such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate etc.

CHILDREN NEED A LOVING HOME SHARE YOURS

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT STATE OF MICHIGAN

Department of Human Services

position title: foster parent i. qualifications: A. Experience working with or raising children.

B. Must meet licensing rules and regulations set by the State of Michigan and those set by the licensing agency.

II. Primary purpose of position: A. To provide substitute temporary care for a child while working with the agency to help reunite the child with the birth family or relatives.

B. To work as a team member with the agency in order to help the child heal his/her relationship with the birth parents, siblings, other family members and/or significant others.

C. To provide a home environment with opportunities for educational, recreational, social and if appropriate, religious experiences.

D. To help prepare the child for placement in an adoptive home when return to the birth family is determined not to be appropriate.

III. knowledge and skills required: A. Knowledge of child development, acquired through experience and education.

B. Ability to organize and use good judgement in order to provide effective services to foster children and birth families.

C. Ability to work cooperatively with other professionals, other agencies, and other foster parents.

IV. significant duties of position: A. Responsibilities to Child: 1. Provide 24 hour supervision including basic needs of food, shelter and clothing.

2. Medical Care a. Takes a child to and from appointments, unless other arrangement have been made. b. Sees that the child receives routine, or emergency medical treatment. c. Notifies the agency of the results of routine exams or emergency treatment. d. Keeps a medical record for each youth in care.

3. Education a. Enrolls child in school or a vocational program, after consulting with the foster care worker. b. Sees that the child attends school. c. Talks to teachers and/or principals at the time of enrollment.

Attends scheduled conferences or disciplinary meetings. d. Notifies and/or consults with the foster care worker regarding problems or successes in school.

4. Appropriate Discipline a. Views discipline as a tool to help the child learn right from wrong. b. Protects the child from any abuse. This means no corporal punishment and protection against any sexual, physical or verbal abuse. c. Rewards positive behavior. d. Keeps the agency informed of any recurring discipline problems, and agrees to work with agency staff in developing behavioral plan for the youth.

5. Improving Child’s Self-Image By: a. Listening to the child. b. Talking with the child. c. Showing affection for the child verbally and physically. d. Encouraging child to express emotions.

B. Responsibilities to Birth Parents: 1. Cooperates with agency regarding Parenting Time with the birth parents, relatives and/or significant others.

2. Being supportive, not critical, of birth parents.

C. Responsibilities to Agency: 1. Functioning as much as possible as a team by: a. Keeping the foster care worker informed of the child’s progress or any anticipated problems and/or issues. b. Expressing ideas regarding policies, practices, problems and/or suggestions for change, at foster parent meetings.

2. Participate in on-going education for the purpose of increasing skills and knowledge of child development, child management and foster care dynamics. a. Must attend all required agency meetings. b. Must participate in on-going training. v. benefits A. The knowledge that you have helped a child and his family in a time of crisis.

B. The making of new friends and the fellowship with others.

C. The improvement of your own self-image.

D. The opportunity to participate in foster parent activities.

E. The acquisition of certificates and letters of appreciation.

F. The improvement of parenting skills and the mastery of new skills as a foster parent.

G. The pre-placement, on-going training and other educational opportunities.

fact sheet for licensing

AGE:

18 - 65 Years Old.

MARITAL status:

Married or Single.

income/employment:

One or both parents may work; must have adequate child care plan. Income must be adequate to meet own family needs. FIP recipients can be considered.

housing:

May own or rent. Adequate bedroom space (40 sq. feet per child). Home must be free from health and fire hazards. Must have safe play area for children. Must have telephone.

health:

Medical examination for each household member.

references:

Three (3) written character references.

good moral character:

Police record check. Abuse/Neglect Record Check. Previous Licensing Record check.

homestudy:

The homestudy serves as a placement guide for the worker and an educational tool for the family. On-site visit interview with all family members.

training:

The process whereby agencies provide initial and on-going education in the areas of behavioral, emotional and physical needs of children, child management techniques, rights and responsibilities of the agency and foster parents, etc.

It is expected that applicants as well as licensed foster parents attend all required training.

foster care vocabulary foster home:

By law, a private home in which 1 to 4 minor children who are not related to the adults in the household receive care and supervision, 24 hours a day; care ends when the child is returned home, adopted, transferred to another residence or becomes independent.

medicaid:

A comprehensive state health insurance program that covers, to varying degrees, the costs of office visits, surgeries, medical appliances, dental, psychiatric/ psychological services, and prescriptions.

permanent court ward: (mci)

A child whose parents’ rights have been terminated by a court of law or whose parents have voluntarily relinquished their rights, making the court/state the child’s legal guardian. These children are available for adoption.

temporary court ward:

A child whose parents’ rights have not been terminated but who has been placed under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. These children are not available for adoption.

basic rates:

Foster care payments are determined by the Department of Human Services.

QUANTITY: COST: AUTHORITY:

4,000 $1,228.40 (.31 each) DHS Director

Department of Human Services (DHS) will not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, height, weight, marital status, political beliefs or disability. If you need help with reading, writing, hearing, etc., under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are invited to make your needs known to a DHS office in your area.

DHS Pub 650 (Rev. 9-07) Previous edition may be used.

Other Ways to Help Below are some ideas about other ways to help children other than providing foster care: Big Brothers, Big Sisters

www.bbbsa.org

(888) 412-BIGS

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers, Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. Volunteers provide “Littles” with one-on-one time and attention in their communities, typically two to four times a month. During these unstructured outings, they cultivate relationships that provide children with skills to manage every day challenges. Through simple friendship, “Bigs” experience the joy of helping children discover a world of possibilities and opportunities.

Big Family of Michigan

www.bigfamilyofmichigan.org

(248) 615-0327

The Big Family of Michigan has a large volunteer organization that helps promote adoption and foster care. The group does special events for children in foster care and adoption.

Boy Scouts

www.scouting.org

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and valuesbased leadership training. Scouting offers young people responsible fun and adventure, instills lifetime values in young people, develops ethical character traits, trains young people in citizenship, service, and leadership, and serves America’s communities and families with its quality, values-based programs.

Girl Scouts

www.girlscouts.org

(800) 478-7248

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, Girl Scouts cultivate their full individual potential.

Boys & Girls Clubs

www.bgca.org

(800) 854-CLUB

In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets.

An increasing number of children are left at home with no adult care or supervision. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun.

Faith Communities Coalition on Foster Care

www.faithcommunitiescoalition.org A grass roots collaboration that provides a catalyst to educate and motivate congregations to engage in at least one project or program that will support the 14, 000 foster children or aging out youth in Michigan.

The goals of the Faith Communities Coalition on Foster Care are as follows: 1) Provide gatherings in which representatives from congregations, organizations and service agencies can hear inspiring speakers and collaborate together.

2) Help alleviate the suffering of foster children in Michigan by asking congregations to partner with a social service agency in a particular project.

3) Encourage congregations to issue calls for potential foster/ adoptive parents, mentors and respite care givers to become licensed and available when needed.

Michigan CASA, Inc. - Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children www.michigancasa.org (248) 697-6788 Our mission is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. Michigan CASA is one place where a single individual--you--can make a difference. Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child in foster care. As a CASA volunteer, you are empowered by the courts to help make this dream a reality.

You will be the one consistent adult in these children's lives, vigilantly fighting for and protecting their fundamental right to be treated with the dignity and respect every child deserves. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come.

And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.

MARE – The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange

www.mare.org

800.589.6273

Host the Michigan Heart Gallery The Michigan Heart Gallery is a traveling photographic exhibit of children in foster care waiting for permanent homes. MARE is constantly trying to find community centers, places of worship, large businesses, and other public or private hosting venues. The gallery can be requested for a single event or up to a month at a time. MARE give-a-ways will accompany the gallery for your guests and patrons to take home.

Host a Match Party Throughout the year, MARE partners with philanthropic organizations, church groups, and other groups invested in foster care adoption to hold match parties. Match parties are 3-4 hour events where families approved for adoption can meet children currently waiting for a permanent family in a safe, fun atmosphere with games, food, and lots of laughs! Duties of the hosting organization vary based on resources available, but may include: Providing a venue, providing volunteer staff to help run games, purchasing food and beverages for a meal, offering goodie bags for the children, etc.

Photographers Needed!

Volunteer photographers are always needed for future Heart Gallery photos of children and adoptive families. Photographers do not need to have a studio, however you must have your equipment and be willing to drive up to 40 miles for a photo. MARE matches photographers geographically with children and families who need photos taken. Photos will retain photographer credits on all publications and use of the photo.

Mentor Michigan

www.michigan.gov/mentormichigan

Being a mentor is one of the most important things you can do for a child. And research shows that 99% of the people who mentor would recommend it to others. So become a mentor and encourage a friend to become a mentor too.

The United Way

www.national.unitedway.org

www.uwmich.org

Michigan Association of United Ways is a member-driven state association supporting community service systems with excellence, leadership, and partnerships.

YMCA

www.ymca.net

At the YMCA, every hour you spend as a YMCA volunteer translates into the caring attention a child or teen needs to grow up healthy and resilient. It translates into support for families so they can be successful and strong…into healthier lives for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes…into a safer, more viable community that’s a good place to live and work. To solve the problems closest to home – or better yet, prevent them – the YMCA needs more people like you. Do something good. Volunteer at the YMCA.