The goal of the Foster Care program is to protect and care for children when they are not safe at home or are so severely medically impaired their parents are unable to care for them. Family Foster Care is 24-hour care provided by foster families in their homes.
Foster parents are a valuable resource in returning children to a safe, nurturing home.
A home study is done which includes interviews, reference and medical checks, criminal records checks, and a child safety home inspection. Foster parents are required to complete 10 hours of training in foster care issues each year. Support groups for foster parents are often available to help them learn what other foster parents are doing and keep current on issues in foster parenting as they arise. Special Rate Foster Care allows SCF to pay foster parents at a higher rate to reimburse then for children who have special expenses or needs. Family Shelter Care is utilized for emergency placements of children who are in need of protection.