Foster Care

Ensuring safe & loving homes for abused, neglected and vulnerable children and youth. Approximately 13,000 Michigan children are in foster care at any given time. For up to date information on the child welfare in Michigan, click this link: Click here for information on child welfare in the State of Michigan.

Child and Family Charities' Child Welfare Division provides a foster care program that serves children of all ages. Many of the children we provide placement for have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Some foster children are infants, but most are older children who require temporary care until family troubles are resolved or until placed for adoption. 

Foster care is provided by families who are recruited, trained, licensed, and supported by the agency. Weekly therapy, team meetings, frequent foster home and school visits, enhanced support to the foster parents, and crisis intervention characterize the services of foster care.

Click here for more information on becoming a foster parent.

FOSTERING FAMILY FOUNDATIONS NEWSLETTERS
Newsletter Archive

Foster Care at Child and Family Charities, FAQ's:

Q: Why are children in Foster Care?

A: Children are in placed into foster care for a variety of reasons. Many children have been temporarily removed from the home due to neglect or abuse. Foster Care is supposed to be a temporary placement. It is a time in which the foster parents, the caseworkers and others work with the child’s parent(s) to learn and grow to the point when the family can be reunited.

Q: When can a person adopt from Foster Care?

A: We try to focus on foster care and the reunification of the family if at all possible. The topic of adoption through foster care can be addressed more thoroughly during orientation or with the recruitment specialist.

Q: What are the ages of the children in foster care?

A: Children of all ages come into placement at Child and Family Charities. We need foster parents for older children (8 through 17) and sibling groups (taking more than one child from a family at a time). However, Child and Family Charities does place younger children (newborn to 7) with foster parents as well.

Q: What is an Orientation?

A: An orientation is a 2-hour meeting with the agency where you can learn about the expectations of being a foster parent, learn more about the need of placement for children in foster care in our area, and what you can expect in the licensing process. 

Q: When are Orientations?

A: Orientations for those interested in becoming licensed as a foster care provider, please click the following link to the calendar: check out the calendar here.

Q: What is the Application and Licensing Packet?

A: Once you complete an orientation, you can start the foster care application process. Included in the process is letting us know some personal information such as your motivation for becoming a foster parent, why type of residence to you live in and more. The packet will include many forms to fill out. You will be asked a lot of questions about your life and your background. This is because being a foster parent requires a good deal of responsibility—you are taking on the care of another person’s child! Don’t worry, we will be there for you to answer any questions and concerns you may have on every step of the way!

Q: How long does the process take?

A: Once you sign an application, you are required to become licensed within 180 days (6 months).

Q: What is involved with Foster Parent training?

A: Prior to becoming licensed, applicants are required to attend 12 hours of specific training curriculum. Trainings are held in person in a group setting with other applicants from other agencies so that you may benefit from collaboration with others

Q: What is a Home Evaluation?

A: A licensing specialist will collect the licensing paperwork from you and conduct 2 to 3 face to face visits with you and your family in your home. The evaluation is a collection of information about your home, your family, your beliefs and goals as well as to ensure that your home is following the state licensing rules.

Q: How long will children be in my home?

A: Children who enter foster care may need a short-term placement (1-2 weeks up to 12 months) or a longer-term placement (12+ months or a permanent placement through adoption).

Q: Who will I work with?

A: A licensing specialist will assist you with getting started and will maintain at least annual contact with you for as long as you remain a foster parent. When a child is placed in your home, you will have a case manager who will interact with you on a more frequent basis.

 

Back