WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?
"The first step to becoming a foster parent in Palm Beach County is to attend a one-hour information session at one of the eight licensing providers here in Palm Beach County," says Diana of Speak Up For Kids during a recent interview at WPBF 25 with Mark Kelly. "In fact, you can sign up right now while we're chatting!" [Weekly information sessions/orientations are listed on the www.FosterPalmBeach.org/events page]. At the orientation, you'll learn the requirements to foster children such as background checks, training, and home studies plus you'll find out the various benefits the children receive such as Medicaid, ELC Vouchers, a monthly stipend along with community resources available to you throughout the county. "To succeed, you need community support and many nonprofits and resources are available in Palm Beach County." "These information sessions are designed to provide more detail and then you're ready, you then take the next step." Hear the full interview here: www.wpbf.com/article/foster-palm-beach/29413629
The lead Child Based Care (CBC) agency here in Palm Beach County is ChildNet who subcontracts the licensing and management of homes to various providers.
Speak Up For Kids is the nonprofit support to the Guardian ad Litem Program and recognizing the need more caring foster homes and the need for a centralized point for information on becoming a foster parent, Speak Up For Kids created and is devoted to finding caring homes for abused, abandoned, & neglected children in Palm Beach County through their #FosterPalmBeach Program.
Other ways to help include Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Child Advocates who spend 10-15 hours a month advocating for a child. Volunteer time as a Guardian ad Litem is fairly flexible - volunteers see the kids at least once every thirty days wherever they are placed, and the other work is often done via phone or email. Volunteers appear in court at least twice a year and file monthly status update reports.
Donations to Speak Up For Kids help to fund these programs as well as normalcy items for the children themselves such as birthday cakes/gifts, voice lessons, karate, basketball camps, Girl Scouts, etc. Make a 110% IMPACT! Honda Cares will add a 10% matching bonus to every donation now through February 26, 2020.
Forever Families (adoption) are needed for the children whose parents are not able to correct the issues bringing the children "into care" and Mentors are needed to give the children experiences and support the future development into productive and stable young adults.
To foster in Palm Beach County, visit our "Upcoming Events" page to sign up for an information sessions. Links for advocating, donating, adopting, or mentoring can be found on the "Other Ways To Help Page".
You may also call 561-223-9646 for a one-on-one conversation.
