Tips for Choosing a Foster Agency
Choosing a foster agency is one of the first major decisions that you need to make on your journey to become a licensed foster parent. Many people wonder why they need to choose a foster agency in the first place. What does a foster agency do, and what are the differences between agencies?
What is the difference between a private foster care agency and DFPS?
Private foster agencies are non-profit organizations contracted by the Department of Family and Protective Services to recruit, train, and retain foster parents in Texas. When DFPS has to place children in foster care, they contact private agencies to help them find foster homes. All private foster agencies have the same opportunity to reply to a request for placement from DFPS. In other words, there is no advantage to working with one private agency over another when it comes to placement opportunities. Home developers at private agencies can submit your home for consideration to the DFPS caseworker when they feel like your family would be a good fit. DFPS will choose a home based on the needs of the children. This arrangement allows DFPS to focus on the needs of biological family members involved in the cases they manage while private agencies provide guidance to foster families.
What should you consider when choosing a foster agency?
Choosing a foster agency can be compared to choosing a restaurant for lunch. They all serve food, but many variables can influence your decision about where to eat. For example, geographic location may impact your decision. Another consideration might be the amount of time you have to wait before getting your food. And, of course, we all have opinions about who serves the best burgers, fries, tacos, pizza, etc. Every agency can license your family to foster and/or adopt, but each agency offers unique services and benefits to support you along the way. Finding the agency that best fits your family is important. Here are some suggested questions you can ask when speaking with a new agency:
Where is the office located and are there other locations?
How often are families required to attend meetings or training at the office?
Which counties do you serve?
Is your organization faith-based, and if so, do you require a faith statement from families?
What supports are offered to foster families?
On average, how many families or children is one case manager responsible for?
How long does it take to become licensed?
What does it cost to become licensed?
Do you offer dual-licensing for foster care and adoption?
One of the most important considerations is what can only be described as the “comfort factor.” How do you feel when you speak to the staff? Are they knowledgeable? Do they respond to emails quickly? Are they organized? Do they communicate well with each other? Pay close attention to how they make you feel.
Why choose Hope Cottage Foster Care Services?
Hope Cottage is the oldest nonprofit, non-faith-based child-placing agency in Dallas. Since 1918, we have grown to meet the needs of families and children in Texas through infant adoption, foster care, parenting services, counseling, and education. The Foster Care Services Program maintains small client-to-case manager ratios in order to provide all families with the individualized attention necessary for a successful fostering journey. At least once a month, case managers visit every foster home and provide every child with diapers, clothing, toys, or other needed items. These visits provide foster parents the opportunity to ask questions or seek guidance in adjusting to life with a new child in the home. Foster parents also have access to the 24/7 on-call phone, which they may call at any time, day or night, to speak with a member of the Foster Care team.
All Hope Cottage families are dual-licensed for foster care and adoption, in order to provide an easy transition if a child in your home becomes eligible for adoption. However, not all licensed families are required to be adoption motivated. When a child in your home is eligible for adoption, Hope Cottage will assist your family through to your adoption finalization.
If you would like to learn more about adopting a child from foster care, check out this blog. If you have questions about foster care, choosing a foster agency, or Hope Cottage, contact Antoinette Johnson at ajohnson@hopecottage.org.