You can make a difference in the life of a child and reap the emotional benefits of positively impacting a child’s life. Foster parents provide understanding, acceptance and stability in a safe and healthy home environment.
Qualities of becoming a Foster Parent:
- At least 21 years of age
- May be married or single
- In good physical and mental health
- Willing to devote time to pre-service and on-going training
- Effective parenting skills
- Maturity and self-discipline
- Creativity and flexibility
- Enjoy challenges and commitments
Do I get reimbursement for providing Foster Care?
The State of Nebraska has set minimum rates depending on the age of the child. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services will utilize a standardized level of care assessment to determine foster care payment reimbursements for foster parents and the licensed placing agency who supports the foster parents. The Nebraska Caregiver Responsibility tool documents the care and effort the foster parent(s) is making to meet the child’s needs.
The NCR describes eight areas of care:
How do I become a Foster Parent?
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent through South Central Behavioral Services, or would like more information, please complete our Foster Parent Inquiry Form, and one of our staff will contact you.
7 Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent
1
Contact South Central Behavioral Services
We will answer any questions you have about foster care and becoming a foster parent as well as provide information on licensing requirements. Getting started is easy! Contact SCBS Children’s Services Resource Developer, Lupita Gallegos, at 402-519-0995 or by email at lgallagos@scbsne.com.
2
Sign up for training
The state of Nebraska requires all potential foster homes to complete a pre-service training called TIPS-MAPP.
3
Complete training
TIPS-MAPP class is held one time per week for 10 weeks. Each class is mandatory for all adults that will have a parenting role in the foster home. This training also includes in-home consultations.
4
Complete the licensing packet
During class, you will receive a licensing packet which includes health assessments, self studies, and other paperwork. You will also be assigned an SCBS Youth and Family Specialist who will assist you through the the licensing process, which includes a home study and home walk-through. All household members 18 years of age and older must have their fingerprints rolled and background checks completed.
5
Licensure
Once the required licensing paperwork and home study are complete, your Resource Developer will submit your home study packet to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for licensure. A license will be granted if all qualifications are met.
6
Prepare for placement of youth
Once your license is approved, SCBS Children’s Services will contact you when a youth is a good match for your home. If you accept, the youth will be placed with you. Once a youth joins your home, you will have the support of a Youth and Family Specialist throughout the entirety of the youth’s stay. The Youth and Family Specialist is there to help with monitoring daily needs and crisis intervention if needed.
7
Ongoing Support
During your journey as a Foster Family, you will receive ongoing support as well as monthly training classes to assist with accumulating required training hours to retain your Foster Care License.