 | Jessica Dutton works to help educate and inform possible foster parents for TFI Family Services in Pittsburg. The agency will host a new series of PSP-MAPP classes for those interested in becoming foster parents. Classes start March 6th, 6pm-9pm at 3101 N. Michigan, Pittsburg and will run for 10 weeks, once a week.
For more information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please contact TFI Family Services, Inc. Toll Free 1-800-279-9914 or visit us online at www.tfifamilyservices.org. |
Family Living
2012-08-02 08:23:16
Fostering kids with disabilities
Q- "My husband and are considering fostering kids with severe health, mental, or emotional issues. What kinds of things should we consider before taking the plunge? What should we expect? "
A- Contemplating time management will be key. When caring for foster children with disabilities, (physical or mental) there is much one on one time that is needed.
Children with disabilities, continues to be one of the largest needs, when identifying the need for foster homes. Often children with these disabilities need lots of attention and many times the child comes from neglect or abuse, some come with physical disabilities. The needs truly are going to be different, case by case. If you have a child that has a severe mental illness, they may have many disruptive days at school. In this case, being available to assist the child during the school day may be required. In a case where the child has physical disabilities, the child may require care at home. This is where stay at home parents are the perfect match. That being said, the foster parent is never alone. There are plenty of services available, ensuring that the child has these services in place to aide as well. There are mental health professionals, that agencies work closely with to ensure the proper care. There are also medical agencies that the agency partners with, that can provide in home care when needed. In addition, all foster children in state custody are covered by and provided care by Medicaid. There is never any expense to the foster family for medical and mental health coverage. Staff support is also provided to the foster family and family crisis workers are available and on call 24 hours a day. There is also a Resource Family Worker that makes home visits, twice a month. Beyond that there is a team consisting of the Case Manager and Family Support Worker that aides in and oversees the case. The Family Support Worker would visit the home, and visit with the child once a month. To conclude, caring for these children can be rewarding. These children are looking for caring families, that are going to provide that stable loving environment they need.
