Governor Pete Ricketts joined DHHS officials on Thursday in proclaiming May as “Foster Care Month” during a ceremony at the State Capitol.
He says there are more than 1,100 children in foster care homes and they need more people to serve as a foster parent. “Foster parents step into the gap when a child’s biological parents are unable to offer care,” Ricketts says. “Their selfless investment of time and energy makes a lasting impact on the youth in their care. I encourage Nebraskans to support foster parents in their communities, and I invite families to consider opening their home to a child in need of foster care.”
The theme for this year’s Foster Care Month is Relative and Kin Connections: Keeping Families Strong signifying the importance of relatives being involved in the lives of foster children. Stephanie Beasley is the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services and emphasized the importance of relative placement. “When children enter the foster care system, placing them with relatives provides invaluable support structures and lessens the impact of trauma. That is why CFS has a majority of our children in care placed with relatives. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the great work our teammates do every day to aid children entering care.”
Becoming a foster parent involves five steps and those who are interested in becoming foster parents are asked to review to see if they qualify.
- Background checks – These are required for all members of their household ages 18 years old and older, including a national criminal history check through fingerprinting for all household members ages 18 and older.
- Home Study – A home study is required and is conducted by either the Department of Health and Human Services or a contracted foster care agency.
- References – Three positive references are required for each adult household member who will provide care to children.
- Application – A completed foster care licensing application and a health information report are required for each adult household member providing care, signed by a health practitioner. These forms are provided by DHHS.
- Training – Adult household members providing care are required to attend foster parent pre-service training. This training is offered by DHHS.
Prospective foster parents seeking more information should visit dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Foster-Care.aspx or contact the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association hotline at 1-800-7PARENT.