Frequently Asked Questions:
A) What are the requirements for foster families?
To become a foster family, there will be a thorough homestudy completed. During a homestudy, a family will be interviewed at least four times. All adult family members will undergo background checks, including criminal, as well as CPS/APS. The parents must be 23 years old and if married, must have been for at least one year. The parents must have a physical examination, with a TB test. Personal references will need to be provided and will be contacted regarding the prospective foster family. The family must supply BUMFS with financial information and proofs of insurance, marriage, divorce, driver’s licenses and employment. The home will be evaluated for safety issues.
B) Will I need to complete any training?
All foster prospective foster families will need to attend series of Pride trainings. They will also be required to complete CPR and First Aid training, as well as CPI training. Once approved, the parents must complete twelve hours of training per year to continue providing care.
C) Where do these children come from?
Children in foster care enter the system due to abuse or neglect of their caretakers. The children are from birth through eighteen years old and are of either sex. They come from various socioeconomic backgrounds and from every county in the state of West Virginia. Due to their backgrounds, the children may have a variety of difficulties.
D) Will I be reimbursed for providing care for a child?
There will be a reimbursement of $21 per day for each child placed in a foster home. This money is to be used to offset the cost of raising a child. There is also a $40 per month clothing allowance for each child. There may be an initial clothing allowance, which is determined upon placement of a child. Children in care are provided a West Virginia medical card to cover medical and psychological services.
E) Who will be there to help me when there is a problem?
Each child placed in foster care is assigned a treatment coordinator. This person is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. For emergencies, there is also an on call phone if the treatment coordinator is not available. The treatment coordinator will assist the foster family in obtaining services for the child placed in their home. They will guide the foster family through the fostering process and advocate for the child.
F) What if the child placed with us just does not fit in our family?
We get to know each family and strive to match children with families that can meet their needs. Sometimes, a child does not work in a certain family. Be honest with the child’s treatment coordinator and an alternate placement will be located.
G) How many children can I have in my home?
There may be a total of six children residing in a foster home. This includes the foster parent’s own children. On rare occasions, there may be a waiver requested to place more children in the home.
H) I receive disability. Can I become a foster parent?
If you are able to provide for your family without any other assistance, you may be eligible.
I) Can I choose the type of child that I want to foster?
This will be addressed during the home study process. It is possible to foster only children of a certain age range or sex.
J) I do not think I could “give the child back”, but want to help. What can I do?
We always need respite care providers. When you provide respite, you will be providing “vacations” to other foster families, by taking the children in their home for short periods of time. If you become a respite parent, you know that the child will just be visiting your home and will be easier to “give back” when the vacation is over.
K) How long will the homestudy process take?
Pride training will take approximately nine weeks. During the training, the homestudy should begin. Background checks will be completed and the homestudy should be completed within three months, unless there are difficulties.
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