FAQ


1. What are the requirements to be licensed as a foster parent?

2. What type of training will I receive to become a foster parent?

3. What are some characteristics of children in care?

4. Will I be able to take a break from fostering?

5. How long until a foster child will be placed in my home?

6. How long will a foster child remain in my care and why will they leave?

7. What kind of financial compensation will I receive for providing a home to a foster child?

8. How are medical and dental costs for foster children handled?

9. What kind of support can I expect from Bethany staff?

10. Is it possible to adopt a foster child?


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1. What are the requirements to be licensed as a foster parent?

  • 21 years of age or older (either single or a couple)
  • Pass a physical examination
  • Pass a criminal history and background check
  • Complete a family assessment (home study)
  • Meet state licensing requirements, including completion of a pre-service training program (30 hours of initial training )
  • Complete training in first aid, CPR and universal precautions
  • Attend ongoing trainings to maintain and broaden skill base

2. What type of training will I receive to become a foster parent?
Once a prospective foster parent has reviewed the requirements and determined that foster parenting is a commitment he/she wants to make, he/she is provided 30 hours of pre-service training. Licensed foster parents will receive ongoing training to equip them to meet the specific needs of the children in their care. Click here for a training schedule. For reservations, or for more information, contact Patty at 317.578.5000.

3. What are some characteristics of children in care?
Children in foster care are typically between the ages of 7-17. All ethnicities, including Caucasian, African-American and Latino, as well as bi-racial, are served by Bethany programs. A child’s troubled background may manifest itself in a variety of ways, including social and emotional difficulties, developmental delays, learning problems, psychological disturbances, and behavioral challenges.

4. Will I be able to take a break from fostering?
Foster parents earn one day of respite per each month of care provided. In the event that a longer period of time is needed, alternate arrangements can be made in special circumstances.

5. How long until a foster child will be placed in my home?
In most cases, Bethany will recommend you to be licensed as a foster parent/family upon the completion of your training and home assessment. The amount of time required to complete this process varies from family to family. Bethany will then notify you as children in need of homes are referred to us; again, the time this requires can vary.

6. How long will a foster child remain in my care and why will they leave?
Foster care services are goal-oriented, with an emphasis on the identified permanency plan, which may include a return home, adoption, or discharge to independent living. On the average, children remain in foster care placements between 6-18 months.

7. What kind of financial compensation will I receive for providing a home to a foster child?
Foster parents receive a monthly stipend that will help to cover some of the costs of foster parenting. The stipend amount is determined based upon the level of care provided for each child: Level I - $27 per day; Level II - $37.50 per day; Level III - $46 per day; Level IV – negotiated rate per day.
Note: This reimbursement is not considered taxable income.

8. How are medical and dental costs for foster children handled?
Medicaid covers a child’s medical expenses.

9. What kind of support can I expect from Bethany staff?
Bethany believes that foster parents are the chief therapeutic agents in the foster child’s life. Individual treatment for the child and around the clock support for parents are important components of Bethany’s foster care program. A foster family is visited at regular intervals (based upon the level of care needed) by their assigned caseworker, who is accessible 24/7 for additional guidance and support.

10. Is it possible to adopt a foster child?
Often, adoption is an option for foster parents. About 25-50% of the children placed in foster care are later adopted by their foster parents.

Go to our Download Foster Care Brochure page