McDonald received a a Special Recognition Award from the National Foster Parent Association for his efforts that have improved Illinois' foster care system. But the greatest credit goes to the hard work of individual foster parents, not just to organizations. Their contributions and sacrifices on behalf of abused and neglected children are immeasurable, and we owe them a great debt of thanks. The Department is working to speed the licensing process for more people who want to become foster parents. It is also working to offer more convenient hours for training, and improving support services.
Foster parents can be either married couples or single persons, renters as well as homeowners.
Those interested must attend training and pass both criminal and child abuse background checks. Foster parents receive a monthly allowance that covers the expenses of caring for each child placed into their home.