Dear
Prospective Professional Parent,
Youth Homes Inc. is grateful that you’ve decided
to find out more about how you can become a Professional
Parent with our agency.
As the number of children placed in foster care continues
to grow, so does the need for foster homes. Children in
foster care deserve a stable and nurturing place they can
call home. These children need you.
How
to become a Foster Parent Click on the below link and
fill out the online form. Once you have submitted the
form we will then contact you with more information.
You may also call the hotline at (704) 943-9696 and
leave a message indicating your interest in becoming
a foster parent. Please include your contact information
and we will return your call promptly.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT?
You must complete 40 hours of training (which Youth Homes will provide for you, free of charge)
You must be 21 years of age or older
You must be a legal resident of the United States
You must have a high-school degree or the equivalent
You must be confident that a background check will not show any substantiated abuse or neglect charges or any felony convictions.
You and all members of your household must be willing to submit to a thorough evaluation of your home.
CAN I CHOOSE THE AGE OF THE CHILD?
Yes. Though we primarily work w/children and adolescents aged 8-18, we occasionally service infants and toddlers, or teen mothers and their babies.
DO I HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF
MECKLENBURG COUNTY?
Most of our foster parents are residents of Mecklenburg County, however we do license some foster parents in surrounding counties.
ARE FOSTER PARENTS PAID
TO CARE FOR A CHILD?
A monthly check is provided to offset the cost of everyday
expenses related to the care of the child.
DO I HAVE TO BE MARRIED
TO BE A FOSTER PARENT?
No. You can be single and be a foster parent. If married
or living together, both adults must be trained and licensed.
DO I NEED TO OWN MY
OWN HOME?
No. Whether you stay in a home or an apartment you must have
adequate living space for an additional child.
CAN I BE EMPLOYED AND
BE A FOSTER PARENT?
Yes. You must be able to show us you have an adequate income
to meet your family’s need. It’s also important
that your job allow you the flexibility to meet the special
needs of our children.
CAN I HAVE A CHILD IN
MY HOME ON A PART-TIME BASIS?
Yes. There is a great need for weekend care providers, which
is called Respite. You still must go through the required
40 hours of training and licensure to become a foster parent.
CAN I RUN A DAY CARE
OR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM IN MY HOME AND BE A FOSTER
PARENT.
Youth Homes’ abides by a policy that prohibits our
foster parents from operating an in-home daycare or after
school program to avoid potential conflict of interest situations.
