Prospective Partnership Parents

 

Requirements

The desire to be a support to children and families is among the most important criteria  for becoming a Partnership Parent.  The ability to lead by example, mentor, share and facilitate while providing temporary care for children is also important.

Partnership Parents are expected to demonstrate the maturity, stability, fitness, skills and competency to successfully protect, nurture, and meet the developmental needs of children; support the case goals and permanency plan for children) placed in their care. Prospective parents must be at least ten (10) years older than the child to be placed and if single, at least 25 years of age.

Prospective parents complete fingerprint check, CPS, Sexual  Offenders Registry, Pardons and Parole,  Department of Corrections, the child abuse and neglect registry in any other state that the prospective foster/adoptive parent or any adult household member over eighteen has resided in within the past five years and a medical exam. 

Prospective adoptive parents complete the same application process as Partnership Parents,  Some of the children available for adoption were given up by their parents voluntarily. Most, however, were removed from their homes by the state due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. To view a photo listing of children available for adoption visit My Turn Now.

For information on how to become a partnership or adoptive parent, call 1-877-210-KIDS or inquire on line by clicking here.  Each County DFCS hosts Information Sessions for prospective families.  For a complete listing of upcoming meetings please go to Information Sessions. 

 

Characteristics of Successful Partnership Parents: 

• Cares deeply about children, wants to “parent” children     

• Able to make and keep commitments

• Willing to help another family                                               

• Offers love, without expecting it in return

• Ability and desire to sacrifice                                                        

• Is flexible, able to adjust to the unexpected/unknown

• Strong family/neighborhood/church support                             

• Tolerant of other’s mood swings, feelings and beliefs

• Sense of humor                                                                             

• If married, both spouses are equally committed to foster care.

Preparing for Placement

The amount of time you wait for the first child to be placed depends on the number of area children  needing placement. The age range, gender, and characteristics of the children you have been approved. to care for will also effect the amount of time you wait for your first placement.

If circumstances allow, the placement is planned and you will receive notice that the child is coming and when to expect the child. In most instances, particularly after working hours, a child may be placed with little notice. Whether the placement is planned or an emergency  the child’s case manager should share all known, applicable information regarding the child and his/her situation.

Since children may come into placement with few or no belongings, it is a good idea for Partnership Parents to have a stock of generic items on hand. Suggested items include:

Toothbrushes/deodorant

Hair care products (ribbons, combs, brushes)

Diapers/underwear

Night-lights

Sleeping outfits

Toys

Kid friendly snacks and meal plan

First Day of Placement

When the child is initially placed in your home, he will not become comfortable with you and his new surroundings immediately; even infants may experience a period of adjustment when placed in an unfamiliar environment. A child’s reaction to placement depends largely upon his past experiences. .

When a child is initially placed into your home:

  • Be patient; don’t expect miracles.
  • The child is trying to make sense of new people, new surroundings, and behaviors that are different from what he knows. 
  • No matter how terrible the previous situation was, the child will probably display some sadness and anxiety due to his loss.
  • The child may be unclean or poorly dressed with little, if any, clothing,  No matter what the child’s condition, do not discard his clothing and other personal possessions. They may have special meaning to the child.
  • The child may blame himself for what has happened. Assure him this is not the case.
  • The child may be withdrawn, tearful, anxious, angry or overly active and playful. With some children, there will be no obvious effects of the placement.
  • No matter what the child’s behavior or disposition, it is important that you and your family show acceptance, warmth, and most of all understanding during this very difficult time for the child. The child’s Case Manager will share additional adjustment pointers with you as each child differs in his response to placement.

 

To learn more about Partnership and Adoptive Parenting please see our fact sheet.