Foster Care FAQs
What is foster care?
Foster care is a system to provide temporary care for children and adolescents. The first goal of foster care is to reunify with the biological family. But the process of adoption can occur (this is further discussed down below).
What is therapeutic foster care?
Therapeutic foster care is for children that need extra support, including greater structure and more intensive therapeutic services due to traumatic histories.
Who does Gateway serve?
Gateway serves children from birth though age 21. This includes teenagers, medically complex children, sibling groups, children with emotional and behavioral disorders, pregnant or parenting teens and children with developmental delays.
What is the most common age of foster children?
The most typical referral age is 6 years old and up. This corresponds to the time that children usually enter the school system. During this time, they have more contact with other adults (instead of just their parents) and therefore, problems in the home are more likely to be noticed and reported. The average age of children that we receive referrals are ages 12-18.
Are there a lot of babies available for fostering?
Typically, if you are looking to foster or adopt a baby, we suggest fostering through the state: Kentucky Department of Community Based Services (DCBS). We serve children ages 0-21 and receive referrals for infants – however, these infants often have extensive medical needs or come with a sibling group of older children.
What is the greatest need?
Children with special needs and teenagers are the most underserved children in our foster care system. We urgently need families to foster teenagers who have experienced multiple traumas in their lives and children with medical diagnoses, developmental delays and intellectual delays. Thousands of teens in foster care are looking for the love, support, and encouragement that families provide forever not just until they’re 18.
What is the difference between fostering through a private agency versus the state?
The state serves children who have minimal behaviors and do not need the extensive services that private agencies can provide. Another difference is that the State doesn’t provide therapeutic services to families, 24/7 crisis services or ongoing support services. This is outsourced as needed.
How does fostering-to-adopt work?
When a child first enters the foster care system, the initial goal is reunification, returning back to their family of origin. However, the court may decide it is in the child’s best interest to terminate parental rights (TPR). Once TPR occurs, the child’s goal may be changed from reunification to adoption. Typically, if you are caring for a foster child whose goal is changed to adoption, you will most likely be the first choice for the adoptive family. The length of the fostering to-adopt process depends on several factors and will be discussed as a team if it becomes an option.
Do I receive financial reimbursement when a child is with me?
As a foster parent you are reimbursed each month for having a child in your home. Depending upon the age and needs of the child, reimbursement rates vary.
Do foster parents receive free childcare?
Our program does not pay childcare fees. However, our competitive per diem rates may help offset this cost.
What are the requirements for becoming a full-time foster parent?
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Live in Kentucky and within an hour and a half from Mount Sterling
- Have adequate living space (more than a 1-bedroom home)
- Be financially stable
- Be in reasonably good health
- Have access to reliable transportation
- Pass a criminal background check
- Show proof of homeowner/renter’s and car insurance, as well as car registration
- Complete all training requirements (about 30 hours of combined in-person and online trainings)
- Pass a home safety inspection
- Approved home study by us!
What are the requirements for becoming a respite foster parent? This means keeping children short term!
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Live in Kentucky and within an hour and a half from Mount Sterling
- Have adequate living space (more than a 1-bedroom home)
- Be financially stable (not rely on reimbursement from fostering)
- Be in reasonably good health
- Have access to reliable transportation
- Pass a criminal background check
- Show proof of home owner’s/renter’s and car insurance, as well as car registration
- Pass a home safety inspection
- Approved home study by us!
*…the key difference in providing respite care is there’s not a training requirement.
Why do children need foster care?
Children need foster care for many reasons but to name a few; illness, family breakdown (sickness, death, substance use/abuse and abusive behaviors), school issues, relationship issues, neglect or other abuse that threatens the welfare of children.
Does my home need specific requirements?
The short answer is yes, but it is likely things you are already doing or know of! Here is what KY expects:
-The foster or adoptive home parent is required to have access to:
- Reliable transportation;
- School;
- Recreation;
- Opportunities for religious, spiritual, or ethical development in the faith of the child or the faith of the child’s family;
- Medical care, physical, dental, and mental health
- Community facilities.
-Each child has a separate bed that is age and size appropriate for the child
-Up to four (4) children, including the foster or adoptive home parents’ own children, may share a bedroom. When children share a bedroom, thorough consideration is given to age, gender, and background. Children of different genders over the age of 5 do not share a bedroom unless approved by the state and the following conditions are present:
- The children are siblings;
- There are no identified risk factors regarding sexualized behaviors or physical aggression;
- There is a plan in place to allow for the children's privacy in dressing and meeting hygiene needs.
-The physical condition of the foster or adoptive home may not present a hazard to the safety and health of a child and should:
- Be well heated and ventilated;
- Comply with state and local health requirements regarding water and sanitation.
- Provide access to indoor and out-of-door recreation space appropriate to the developmental needs of a child
- A properly functioning kitchen;
- A properly functioning bathroom, with a sink, toilet, and tub/shower.
-First aid supplies are to be available and stored in a place easily accessible to an adult or caregiver
-The following items are to be inaccessible to a child:
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Poisonous or cleaning material;
- Firearms/Ammunition;
- Medication (prescription and non-prescription),
-All household animals are appropriately vaccinated. Animals requiring vaccination include cats, dogs, and ferrets. Exceptions for vaccination may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
-The home must have a working smoke alarm within 10 ft. of each bedroom and on every level of the home.
-A home with gas heating or appliances is to be equipped with a working carbon monoxide detector.
-If a home has a swimming pool, the safety and supervision plan will be addressed in the safe home study narrative and annual re-evaluation
How do I become a foster parent?
The first step is to contact one of our foster care team members. You can do this by filling out the online form or by calling 859-390-3080. An orientation meeting will be scheduled with you in your home to give you an overview of the program and explain the application packet. From there you will begin the SAFE Home Study evaluation, trainings, background checks, and home/vehicle inspections.
How long is the certification process?
It depends on your schedule. Some families can complete it in 8 weeks while others may take longer.
Why choose Gateway Children’s Services Foster Care?
The quality of our home study evaluations, our family continuing education and our responsive case management services are just a few reasons to choose Gateway Children’s Services as your private placement agency.
- 24/7 on-call crisis support. We pride ourselves on our response times; we respond to all questions on the same business day and after-hours emergencies within 30 minutes.
- In-home case management services. Our talented and compassionate case managers develop supportive relationships with you and your children.
- Our very own therapist comes to your home!
- Respite care is available when you need time away.
It is a big decision to foster, and we want to make sure you have all the information! But it is always encouraged to contact us, plan a meeting, and have a conversation - not just reading the FAQs 🙂
Contact us: Gateway Children’s Services • 37 North Maysville Street • Mount Sterling, KY 40353 • Phone: 859.390.3080 • fostercare@gatewaychildren.org • GatewayChildrensServices.org
