Are you looking for us? We are looking for you!

We are glad you found us—welcome to Grace for Children! We are excited that you have progressed in your desire to accept a child into your heart and lives. We look forward to discussing how our program works and how you can make a difference in the life of a child in need. There is nothing more rewarding than offering the hope of a brighter future to a child who has been the victim of abuse or neglect.

Without a doubt, foster parenting can be challenging and involves a lot of hard work. However, we are here to help you with all the resources you need to make a child’s life better as well as enhance your own.

We provide our foster care families specialized, comprehensive and on-going support and training which includes:

• Individualized treatment planning for the child
• 24-hour access to our professional staff in the event of a crisis
• Weekly contact with a social worker (with low caseloads to insure excellent working relationships)
• Required annual foster care training provided by our staff and community experts
• Referral information for any community services your foster child might need
• Respite care when you need a break
• Access to services and supplies donated by local businesses and individuals
• The opportunity to network with other foster families

By now, you must have many questions on fostering children, and you will find the answers to frequently asked questions below:

What is foster care?
Foster Care is temporary care in your home for a child who has been removed from his or her home due to abuse or neglect. Temporary care can range from overnight up to 18 months. Grace for Children provides foster care services to individuals and families residing in Fayette County and surrounding areas.

Who are the children in foster care?
• Children who range in age from birth to 17
• Children whose lives have been disrupted by a family crisis
• Children of all racial backgrounds
• Brothers and/or sisters who should stay together
• School-aged children who may have behavioral problems, learning disabilities or low self esteem
• Infants who may have special feeding and medical problems
• Children who may suffer with emotional problems

What are foster families?
• Foster families are people who enjoy parenting and who are willing to share their homes, time, energy and love with children who may have special problems because of abuse and/or neglect.
• Foster parents enjoy children and advocate for them.
• Foster parents are willing to work with assigned social worker, birth parents as needed, and community services.

What requirements are needed to complete the application process?
• If single, at least 25 years of age and at least 10 years older than the child
• If married, at least 10 years older then the child
• Criminal records and child abuse registry check
• Home Safety Checks
• References from a doctor to ensure that all household members are free from communicable diseases and in good health
• References
• Drug Screen
• Attendance of a 2-hour Informational Meeting
• Completion of 20-hour IMPACT Pre-Service training
• Completion of a home evaluation

What types of children are most in need of foster care in our community?
• Teenagers
• Sibling groups
• Children under the age of 5

Is there financial help available for foster families?
Yes, foster parents are given an amount each month to defray the cost of caring for each child they foster. Currently, foster parents receive a reimbursement rate of $14.60 to $18.25 per day for each child. The exact rate is based on the age and needs of the child. In addition, when a child first enters care, the state provides an initial clothing allowance of $200 for children birth to 12 years and $300.00 for youth ages 13 and over. An additional yearly clothing allowance of $100 is also provided.

Does the child have medical insurance?
Yes, each child’s medical expenses are covered by Medicaid. Other child related services such as psychological, psychiatric, and speech therapy are services the State will pay for depending on the needs of the child. The state also provides foster children with health and safety items such as car seats and booster seats.

What is the minimum income requirement to be eligible to foster a child or children?
It is necessary for the fostering parents to have sufficient income to support their current family’s needs, before adding an additional child to their family.

Is home ownership a requirement?
No, you can rent or own an apartment, single-family house or condominium.

Can I work outside of my home?
Yes, provided the plan is guided by the needs of the child. The State provides daycare services to foster families based on income.

Is there a limit to the number of children in my home?
Yes. Currently, in the state of Georgia, there is a maximum of 6 children allowed in the home (this number includes your own children).

If a child is referred to my family, do I have the option of refusal?
Yes. If you think that the placement of a particular child will not work with the dynamics of your family, you have the right to refuse placement of that child.

Can single parents become a foster parent?
Yes, fostering by single parents is permissible and supported.

Does a recent marriage, divorce, birth of a child or other major change in the family affect the application process?
Yes. Any major life change will be assessed on an individual basis. Sometimes a brief wait is encouraged. Families need stability before considering the addition of a child.

How do I become a foster parent?
The first step is to attend an informational meeting. The next step is to fill out an application and complete the 10-week IMPACT Pre-Service training. The process involves background checks, a reference check and a home study. A home study is a series of interviews with a social worker to obtain information about the family as part of the selection process.

When is the Informational meeting?
Informational meetings are held on a regular basis and provide you with additional information you may need to decide whether to become a foster parent or not. All families interested in foster care must attend an Informational Meeting. To find out the next meeting date, contact Grace for Children /Fayette Youth Protection Homes at 770-460-6652.