There is presently a great need for foster families. Prospective foster parents are given as much information as possible so that they can decide if their family is a good choice for a particular child. There are no minimum income requirements and no maximum age limit. What all foster parents share in common is a love for children, a commitment to helping others, satisfaction in watching a child grow and develop, and the ability to love and let go. In order to be licensed as foster parents, it is necessary to complete an application, have clearances done through DCYF and the Attorney General's Office, have a home study and fire inspection done, and attend a seven week foster parent pre-service training program.
Foster parents receive board payments to assist in meeting the child's needs.
Additionally, DCYF covers all of the child's medical expenses, pays the foster child's day care costs for working foster parents, and provides clothing allowances. Ongoing training and support services for foster parents are offered. Foster care is temporary care, but the rewards and satisfaction can last a lifetime. Rhode Island's children are everyone's responsibility. Inc. All rights reserved.