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May 14, 2000Foster care -- IntroductionChild welfare officials take it case-by-case Binsfeld laws aim at stability Home not always a haven for children Changes put onus on biological parents Pilot program making progress with Indian children Agencies impose strict criteriaBy CARI NOGARecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - Both the state and foster placement agencies have detailed requirements for foster families. At Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, the largest foster placement agency in the region, about one family is licensed for every five initial inquiries made, said Kelley Sterk, the organization's supervisor for foster home licensing. "A lot of times families will screen themselves out," she said. Most of those who do formally apply do become foster families. Average time from application to licensure is three to four months. Foster family criteria cover: - Physical environment of home. Safety items like smoke detectors, removable window screen and exits from rooms. Clean comfortable furnishings and bedding. - Physical and mental health of the foster family. - Discipline practices. - Financial resources. While foster families receive a stipend, it is considered a reimbursement, not a payment, for food, shelter and time. Depending on the child's age, their medical condition, and other factors, the per-diem rate ranges from $13.45 to $34.65 per day. - Transportation - References: The state requires three for a license; Child and Family Services requires four. - Training: The state requires six hours of training in the first six months of licensure. Child and Family Services requires families to go through, or at least be in the process of receiving, 27 hours of training prior to receiving placements. - Teamwork: Foster families must be willing to work with agency caseworkers and schools. For information on becoming a foster family, call Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan at 946-8975. |
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