What It Means To Be A Foster Parent
Kansas children come to foster care from all walks of life and from every community. Often, they come frightened, confused, angry, neglected or abused, and lacking trust. That’s how they come…it’s not how they stay. Foster parents help children heal, trust, and hope.
Foster Parents
Foster parents are quality, caring adults who provide care to children and teens in need. They don’t have to be wealthy or live in a big house. What is essential is that they have room in their homes and hearts for children in need of a safe place to heal.
The Preparation
Prospective foster parents complete a free training called Permanency & Safety-Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (PS-MAPP). Classes meet once a week, for ten weeks and are offered on a regular basis by Saint Francis throughout Kansas. Potential foster parents then make informed decisions about fostering, including what type of child they would like to help.
The Children
Like foster parents, foster children vary. They range in ages from birth to 18, and in some cases 21. Most enter foster care due to abuse or neglect, while others exhibit behavior disorders. There are many teens and children with special behavioral, education, or medical needs who would be grateful for a good home.
The Support
Saint Francis provides ongoing support and guidance for our foster families. Monthly support meetings cover a wide variety of topics, and foster care workers provide one-on-one support, including a 24-hour crisis service, in addition to utilizing community services.
Contact Us
To learn more or to become part of the Saint Francis professional team caring for Kansas children, please contact us toll free at 866.999.1599 or by filling out the form below.