Foster Parent

Gandara Center • Springfield, MA

1d • $73 • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose and objective of a foster parent is to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home for children who are temporarily unable to live with their biological families. Foster parents play a critical role in helping children feel secure, cared for, and emotionally supported during difficult transitions in their lives.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and manage day to day communication
• Be physically and emotionally able to provide safe, consistent care.
• Have stable income to meet your household needs.
• Provide personal and medical references
• Welcome a home visit and family assessment
• Have sufficient time, flexibility, and a reliable support system
• Have a valid ID and reliable transportation
• Complete required background checks including criminal history, sex offender registry, and child welfare checks with fingerprinting.
• Willing to not operate a daycare in your home.
• Have no more than three children under 18 living in your home.

Responsibilities

• Develop, in conjunction with the Clinical Case Manager and the foster youth, short term goals and contract in writing as to the responsibilities, obligations, procedures and rules of the Treatment Home, as well as relating to the child’s needs for personal growth and development.
• Provide a supportive and nurturing relationship within the home with adequate supervision of the youth’s activities as outlined in the youth’s treatment plan agreement.
• Attend and complete all mandatory in-service program training, Foster Parent meetings and program functions.
• Maintain regular communications with the foster youth’s Clinical Case Manager, biological or reunifying family, and probation officer, of applicable.
• Use the Emergency Procedures as outlined.
• Have a reliable motor vehicle and plan, arrange and handle all transportation needs of the youth, e.g., medical, dental and therapy appointments, emergency care, school meetings, family visits and court appearances.
• Foster Parents are also expected to aid in the transition of a foster youth in the event that the placement is terminated ad/or another placement has been found.
• Attend all school meetings, foster care reviews, quarterly meetings, and court hearings of foster youth, ect.
• Notify the Clinical Case Manager with advanced notice of any out-of-state visits, and provide program approved back-up supervision plan during any extended absences from the home.
• Have a telephone available in the home at all times that is accessible to the youth.
• Cover any unusual expenses incurred by the foster youth during placement process, e.g., property damage, phone bills.
• Uphold guidelines against the use of drugs and alcohol.
• Adhere to program guidelines regarding firearms.
• Report all illegal activities to the Clinical Case Manager.
• Arrange to undertake other actions with regard to a foster child, such as authorization of school related activities, and are required to follow the child’s special education plans under Chapter 766 of the Massachusetts Act of 1972.
• Not give up full-time care taking responsibilities of any foster youth to anyone other than the agency or person designated by the agency, unless ordered to do so by the court.
• Be licensed and accept clients only from the Gándara Center and no other placement agency.
• Get approval from the Director of Foster Care through your Family Resource worker if you wish to do volunteer work or attend school.
• Uphold agency guidelines regarding confidentiality.
• Plan for the care of your foster youth during an extended absence of the foster parent, including providing adequate notice of such absence so that the Clinical Case Manager and foster parent can assure the continuity of care.
• Meet weekly with Clinical Case Manager.
• Meet monthly with Family Resource worker.

Benefits

• Foster Parent stipend checks will be available by direct deposit every other Friday afternoon or at the CFC 1095 Main St, Springfield office, checks may also be mailed upon request.
• Foster Parent Stipends are $73.35 per day.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed