Since 1992
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LEWISTON — While you can’t turn back time and relive your own youth, you can give a child a chance by opening your heart and home. There are thousands of children in desperate need of a second chance at a happy childhood.
If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, here are some typical questions you may have had:
Q. HOW DO I BECOME A KIDSPEACE FOSTER PARENT?
A. You can visit www.fostercare.come learn more about KidsPeace and becoming a foster parent. You can fill out an inquiry online or contact your local KidsPeace office to discuss your interest. You will be given information on the steps that need to be taken in the process. The application process involves visits to your home. Staff gather paperwork, interview family members, and fully explain the responsibilities of foster parenting. A careful screening process helps you determine whether or not foster parenting is right for you.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD I POSSESS TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?
A. Generally, the most successful foster parents are open-minded, dependable, patient and willing to learn new parenting styles for children with different needs. Having a flexible schedule, being tolerant of change, and demonstrating the ability to follow our guidelines are all important qualities for success.
Q. DO I NEED A FOSTER PARENTING LICENSE OR ANY SPECIAL TRAINING?
A. Yes, you will be required to be licensed by the State of Maine. KidsPeace will assist you in the licensing process. We provide training, in-person support, 24-hour, on-call support, and other tools to help you learn and develop your skills along the way. To be a therapeutic foster parent, you will need to have a traditional foster care license for one year or have at least six months of direct care experience working with children with mental health disabilities.
Q. WHAT KIND OF HELP AND SUPPORT WILL I GET?
A. KidsPeace has an impeccable reputation for the support we provide our foster children and families. We maintain frequent, consistent contact, and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to support and guide you.
Q. WHAT KINDS OF KIDS WILL YOU PLACE IN MY HOME?
A. When it comes to foster children, one size does not fit all. There’s no typical foster child. Some kids are stepping down from residential treatment; some have developmental delays; some have suffered unspeakable abuse; some have never been required to follow the rules; some have built walls around themselves to keep out the hurt. It won’t be easy to help a child who has known such pain and upheaval, but we’ll train you on how to handle the specific needs of your foster child.
Q. DO CHILDREN EVER BECOME AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION?
A. Yes. Sometimes, for various reasons, children are unable to return home. Foster families are always given adoption consideration when a child in their home needs a permanent family.
Are you up to the challenge? Contact Fostercare.com to learn more about KidsPeace, with offices in Lewiston, Bangor, Biddeford, Fort Kent and South Portland.
