Foster Parent FAQ

Who can be a foster parent?

Foster parents can be married couples, single adults, retired, or empty nesters who live in a house or an apartment. Many foster parents lead a typical life with jobs and children of their own. Parents who qualify must meet licensing requirements, be at least 21 years of age, have proof of a stable income and be in good physical and mental health.

What type of care do foster parents provide?

Foster parents provide a safe and stable home environment for youth that are not able to live with their biological families for various reasons. Foster parents provide a temporary rehabilitative environment to stabilize and prepare the youth to reunify with their biological family or prepare them for adoption. Foster parents provide the basic skills training with the youth placed in their homes. Ultimately foster parents nurture the youth to become well-adjusted and self-sufficient members of society. Foster parents are strong mentors to youth who have often been placed in several different homes and are in need of love and support.

What experience is required to become a foster parent?

Becoming a foster parent is a life changing decision. Eagle Quest provides quality training. You do not need to have extensive years of parenting experience, rather dedication, flexibility and patience to care for youth in need of a home and a family environment.

A strong understanding of the issues associated with caring for at risk or disadvantaged youth is preferred. Prior experience providing foster care to children, especially higher level of care is recommended.

Does Eagle Quest provide training?

Treatment level foster care requires 40 hours of initial training. Eagle Quest provides in home training that is facilitated by our Parent Support Specialist. The initial training is divided into an 8 week process. There is a combination of both interactive one on one in home training and modules that are done on your home computer. We provide you with the materials and require a follow up questionnaire to ensure understanding and comprehension of the training materials. Training includes a home study, which allows the licensing supervisor to assess your home, gather information, and get to know you and your family.

In addition we require foster parents to obtain 20 additional training hours throughout the year to maintain their license. Ongoing training is offered through Eagle Quest; however we do allow parents to participate in approved community training as well. We are available through the entire licensing process to provide additional information and answer questions to assist you with making a life changing decision of becoming a foster parent.

What is the difference between basic and treatment level foster care?

Treatment level foster care is also referred to as a higher level of care. Treatment level foster care is considered a specialized form of foster care due to the intensity of services provided to the youth. The youth placed in treatment foster care are often in need of counseling (both individual and family), Basic Skills Training, Psycho-Social Rehabilitation, special school meetings, working close with the biological family, etc. Children in basic level foster care often only need basic day to day care. Parents licensed at the treatment level receive additional support and generally a higher financial reimbursement.

What is the population of youth that are placed in a treatment level foster care?

The population of youth are generally adolescents (ages 10-18) experiencing one or more of the following challenges: mental illnesses, probation or parole, delinquency, behavioral disorders, family issues, substance abuse issues, truancy, learning disabilities, or other challenges. Sibling groups are also often apart of treatment foster care, as basic foster care homes are often not equipped to take on two to four placements at one time. Siblings are best placed together, and treatment level foster care allows for multiple placements at once. Many of the youth in higher level of care have not had healthy living environments for many years, struggle with relationships and can be defiant. This population requires strong guidance and consistency with foster parents to be positive role models.

What are the benefits of fostering older youth?

Adolescents are in need of a foster parent and a strong mentor who shows interest in their lives and provides a structured and stable home environment. Older youth generally have their own interested and hobbies. Many are in need of being taught skills to become successful adults. Older youth are generally able to meet their basic day to day needs, however require guidance and stability to be able to behave appropriately within the community. With patience, perseverance, and guidance of caring parents, they begin to look forward to a future that they might not have had before entering our program.

How long do the youth stay in foster care?

Foster care is intended to be a temporary placement. On average many stay in a foster home until a permanent placement is available, either with biological family or through adoption. The average stay for treatment level foster care can range between three to eighteen months. Each placement varies depending on the youth’s circumstances and needs.

What other services are provided to the youth while in treatment level foster care?

Many of our youth receive clinically necessary individualized services, verses youth in basic level foster care. Each youth has a unique strength-based treatment/rehabilitative plan. Clinically necessary services may include a combination of Basic Skills Training and Psycho-social Rehabilitation. These services are provided by the foster parents, as well as trained Rehabilitative Mental Health Case Managers and Rehabilitative Mental Health Specialists, who regularly visit each home to work with the youth one-on-one. The Case Managers, under the direct supervision of one of our Licensed Clinicians, collaborate to target and treat the youth’s mental health diagnosis. These bachelors and masters level specialists will assist in the rehabilitation process and help restore the youth to their highest level of functioning.

What are the skills developed through Basic Skills Training and Psycho-Social Rehabilitation?

Below are some of the skills actively developed through Basic Skills training. Each youth receives an individual clinically necessary treatment plan that may include any of the following:

Basic Skills Training:

Basic Living and Self Care Skills
Communication Skills
Social Skills
Organization and Time Management Skills
Transitional Living Skills
Parental Training

What type of support does Eagle Quest provide to foster parents?

Our RMH Case Managers, RMH Specialists, and Parent Support Specialist are committed to providing ongoing services to support both the youth in care and the foster parents. The RMH Case Manager acts as a liaison between the foster parent, the youth, biological parents, case workers, or probation/parole officers. RMH Case Managers provide rehabilitative services for the youth, and are the direct line of communication between all Eagle Quest team members involved with the youth. The RMH Specialist is responsible for providing services that are outlined in the youth's treatment plan to restore the youth to the highest level of functioning. The Parent Support Specialist acts as a liaison between the foster parents and the agency by providing resources and assistance for foster parents.

Do foster parents receive compensation?

A competitive reimbursement is provided to foster parents. The rate is determined by the foster parent's experience and the current range is $40-45 a day. Eagle Quest requires daily measurable documentation, provided by the foster parents, for the purpose of closely monitoring the youth’s progress and keeping all team members informed. Medicaid will cover the medial expenditures for each individual youth.

Do I have to make a lot of money to be a foster parent?

During the licensing process you will need to provide proof of income. You must be financially able to care for your own expenses. The reimbursement provided for caring for children in your home will not be considered as part of your income.

How long is the process of becoming a foster parent?

The licensing process length varies on a case by case basis, however generally the entire process from start to finish, including training, can take between 60- 90 days.

What are the requirements to become a foster parent?

Some requirements include: a local background check, Federal Bureau of Investigation finger printing, Child Abuse and Neglect check, CPR/First Aid certification, and Tuberculosis test, etc. are required to obtain a license to provide foster care. In addition to a home safety inspection and home study will be required. Download full licensing requirements checklist.

Your home must meet all safety requirements and standards. Living and sleeping quarters must be large enough to provide adequate space, privacy, and safety for the entire house hold. Each youth will need their own bed. Male and female youth may not share a room. Foster parents need a vehicle to transport the youth. The vehicle must have enough room for each youth to have their own seat belt. Foster parents must be able to demonstrate and integrate the youth into their family. Download full home safety inspection requirements.

A home study is required and is a series of interviews and meetings with our licensing supervisor to get to know you and your family. During the home study 40 hours of initial training must be completed. A home study is required to prepare potential foster parents and their homes with the proper procedures to become a treatment level foster parent. This protects and ensures the safety of the youth in foster care.

What is the first step to becoming a foster parent?

The first step is calling one of our representatives for a brief pre-screening interview. Please view the FIVE STEPS to review all the steps needed to become a foster parent with Eagle Quest. We look forward to your call and assisting you with the licensing process. Just imagine the difference you can make in the life of a child. Take the first step and call 800-416-KIDS (5437) today!

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