How to Become a Foster Parent
While the number of children removed from a home as a result of a child protection response and as ordered by a judge, is around six percent in Illinois, having foster families at the ready in the Land of Lincoln – and McDonough County – remains a priority for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
According to Heather Tarczan, DCFS communications director, the department prioritizes placement of children and youth with relative caregivers/kin whenever possible, DCFS recognizes that non-relative foster parents also play a critical role in ensuring the health, safety and overall well-being of children.
'We are incredibly grateful to have a network of dedicated individuals who have opened their hearts and homes to children across the state,' she said.
How does a person or a family become a foster parent in Illinois? The first step involves being committed to an in-depth process to become a licensed foster home. Information about the foster parent program can be found at dcfs.illinois.gov/loving-homes/fostercare.html. The process begins by filling out some basic information at dcfs.illinois. gov/loving-homes/become-a-foster-or-adoptive-parent.html, Tarczan noted. Foster parents may be single, married or in a civil union, and they must have enough space to accommodate children in their home. Foster parents must also understand that they may serve as a temporary or long- term placement, or as an adoptive home.
'Becoming a foster parent involves training, background checks and required foster care activities and meetings,' Tarczan pointed out. 'DCFS is always looking for loving homes for children and youth as well as for foster parents who may be interested in sibling groups, those with medical needs, bilingual speaking homes and those that may identify as LGBTQIA+.'
As for placing a child in a foster home, she stressed that DCFS does not employ a 'one-size-fits-all approach' as every child is unique with their own needs. DCFS recognizes this and works to create a plan that is best suited for each child, whether that means living with a relative caregiver, in a foster home or receiving specialized treatment to address complex and medical healthcare needs.
'Whenever possible, DCFS works to keep children in their same school and their same community to reduce stress during a time of instability,' she said.
In McDonough County, as of July 1, there were 411 licensed foster homes and 214 youth in care within the county. While there is not currently a lack of available foster homes in McDonough County, she noted, nationwide, the need for foster parents continues to increase.
'DCFS is grateful to McDonough County for their ongoing support, including a local support group for foster, adoptive and relative caregivers that meets in-person monthly,' Tarczan concluded. 'You can support your friends and neighbors and the children in your community by providing childcare to give the foster parent respite, make a meal or even help with transportation.'
