Are you curious how placing a child in your home works as a Resource Parent? How will your home be chosen, and how soon will you receive your first placement after approval? Looking for the requirements to become a foster parent? We’re here to help you find the answers you need.
The Child Placement Process
When a child or youth is rescued or detained, several crucial steps are initiated to ensure their well-being:
- Child or Youth is Rescued or Detained: When a child is rescued or detained by Child Protective Services or Juvenile Probation Service, it triggers the placement process. At Knotts Family Agency, we believe that the term “rescued” is more appropriate than being detained. Whether a child is removed from their home due to child abuse or neglect or placed in foster care due to delinquent behavior, we see it as an opportunity to offer them a new and better life. We are committed to changing the perception surrounding foster care by acknowledging that our role is not to “detain” children but to rescue them from difficult situations. We aim to create a safe and loving environment where children can thrive and grow.
- County Sends Request to All Agencies: To ensure fair and unbiased treatment, the county sends a referral containing basic information about a child to all agencies in the region simultaneously. This approach dismisses the notion that certain agencies may have more children than others or that these agencies specialize in specific types of children, such as infants or babies. Parents who are interested in foster care or adoption often inquire about the availability of babies, “Do you have babies?” However, the truth is that all agencies receive the same information simultaneously, making the process transparent and impartial.
- Agencies Explore Suitable Homes: After receiving a referral, agencies search for available homes to find the perfect match based on the child’s characteristics and needs. Typically, a single person contacts one or two prospective families that they believe may be a good fit or have shown interest in the child’s characteristics. However, this method often leads to resentment and frustration, as many families are unaware of the opportunity. At Knotts Family Agency, we have introduced a “Transparency in Placement Protocol,” which will be discussed in the following article.
Factors Considered in Selecting a Home
The selection of a home for a child in foster care is a complex process that considers multiple factors:
- Characteristics of the Child: Age, gender, race, ethnicity, and language are all considered. Additionally, if the child falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), this will also be a determining factor.
- Physical and Mental Health: The child’s physical, mental, or behavioral health issues are crucial in finding the right fit.
- Location: The preference is generally to keep children in the same city where they were rescued or detained. This aids in transition and minimizes the trauma of being uprooted.
- School: The goal is usually to keep children in their school of origin to maintain a sense of continuity and stability.
- Birth Parent Transportation: To facilitate reunification efforts, homes near the birth parents’ residence or willing to transport the child for family visits may be prioritized.
- Risk Factors: Special considerations are made if the child is rescued due to circumstances like sexual trafficking. In such cases, placing the child in a different city may be more beneficial to minimize exposure to risky environments or individuals.
- Characteristics of the Resource Family Home: The placement agency may consider factors such as location, the number of children in the home, age, and gender of children already in the home, training completed by Resource Parents, investigations or holds that the Resource Parents may have, and other factors.
Placing a child in a resource family home is a complex process that involves many considerations. First and foremost, the child’s characteristics, such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, and language, are carefully evaluated. This is especially crucial for children who fall under the jurisdiction of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), as specific guidelines must be followed. Beyond these demographic factors, the child’s physical and mental health are also critically assessed to ensure that the resource family is equipped to meet their unique needs. Geographical considerations weigh heavily in the decision-making process as well.
The general preference is to keep the child in the same city where they were initially rescued or detained, as this can significantly ease the child’s transition and minimize the trauma of being uprooted. Educational stability is another priority; the aim is to keep the child in their school of origin to maintain a semblance of continuity in their life. Additionally, the proximity to the child’s birth parents is considered, particularly in cases where reunification efforts are ongoing. Homes that are either close to the birth parents’ residence or are willing to facilitate transportation for family visits may be given priority. Special risk factors, such as a child being rescued from situations like sexual trafficking, may necessitate placing the child in a different city to minimize exposure to risky environments or individuals. Finally, the characteristics of the resource family home itself are scrutinized. This includes the home’s location, the number of children already in the home, their ages and genders, the training that the resource parents have undergone, and any investigations or holds that may be on record. All these factors collectively inform the placement decision, ensuring that it is as tailored as possible to meet the specific needs of the child and the capabilities of the resource family.
Conclusion
This article serves as an introduction to the complex world of child placement in foster care. We’ve outlined the initial steps taken when a child is rescued or detained and discussed the multifaceted factors in selecting a suitable home. In our next article, we will delve deeper into Knotts Family Agency’s innovative “Transparency in Placement Protocol,” which aims to make the placement process more equitable and transparent for all involved. The final article will discuss why Knotts Family Agency stands out among other foster family and adoption agencies.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope it serves as a valuable resource as you consider opening your heart and home to a child in need. Stay tuned for the next installment in this enlightening series.
