TRADITIONAL FOSTER CARE

Traditional Foster Care – Licensing for caregivers with no prior relationship to the child(ren) who are interested in providing a safe, stable home for a child/children who cannot remain safely with their families. Children become a part of the foster family and can remain in the home anywhere from a few of days to a couple of years.

WHO AND HOW WE SERVE

• CHN licenses and supports foster families that nurture and heal traumatized children ages 0 – 17, including children age 18+ in extended foster care.

• Prospective families are trained to understand and respond to trauma and associated behaviors in children, as well as understand the impact of their life experiences.

• Foster families are prepared and supported to work with their child(ren)’s biological families so that critical connections and relationships are safely maintained through the child’s journey in foster care.

• Foster families receive regular contact, visitation and assistance with navigating the child welfare system on behalf of their child(ren) and are considered valued and respected partners.

• Quarterly and monthly foster family support groups to provide relevant training, support, fellowship and resources.

BASIC LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

1. You must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Hillsborough County, Florida.

2. You must be financially stable enough to support yourself and an additional child(ren) for 90 days without additional financial support.

3. All household members must be willing to comply with background screening requirements.

4. If in a domestic partnership/relationship, both participants must embark on the foster care journey together and both parties are required to participate in training and the licensure process.

5. You must be willing to work as part of a team and advocate for the child(ren) and their family’s needs.

6. You must be willing to participate in foster parent preparation training and the licensing process with a member of the CHN team.

HOW TO GET STARTED

If you are ready to make a meaningful, rewarding impact in the life of a child:

Register for foster parent preparation training (Saturday and weeknight options are available) by calling 813.847.8554, or email: LetsFoster@Childrenshomenetwork.org:

Attend a Zoom Information Meeting. These occur on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6-7 PM at

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82972719991?pwd=UThtbFEyTlo3RitTd1ozeTRJcGRoZz09