Can You Open Your Heart and Home?
It’s called Take Care of Business – and they mean it.
Have you thought of becoming a foster parent or adopting a child? The County is making it easier for you to apply.
A one-stop shop is available for prospective foster and adoptive parents Saturday, Nov. 3 where they can complete several steps in one day.
At this one-day event, hosted by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Foster and Adoptive Resource Family Service, prospective parents can attend an orientation, get finger printed, tested for TB and complete a free CPR and first aid class.
“There is always a need for more foster and adoptive families in San Diego County,” said Ann Fox, foster home licensing manager. “Taking Care of Business Day is a special event designed to make it easy for potential caretakers to complete major requirements to get licensed all in one day.”
Unfortunately, there are children available for adoption and in need of temporary foster homes every day in San Diego County. Currently, there are approximately 3,800 children in foster care and several dozen awaiting forever families.
The role of a foster parent is temporary while the child’s parents receive supportive services with the eventual goal of reuniting them with their child. If children cannot be reunified safely, the foster family may become permanent through adoption or guardianship.
The basic requirement to be a foster or adoptive parent is that you must be over age 18. Foster and adoptive parents can be single or married, a homeowner or renter, and be in a traditional or non-traditional family.
Potential foster and adoptive parents still undergo background checks, receive home visits and attend a series of training classes.
“Take Care of Business Day is a great way for people to meet other families going through the same process and complete several major steps needed to become a foster or adoptive parent,” said Fox. “It’s a fun and interesting day and parents who attend will be on their way to providing a loving home to our most vulnerable children.”
To participate, prospective parents should call 1-877-792-KIDS (5437) to register for Take Care of Business Day. For more information on adoption and foster care, visit www.iadoptu.org or www.SanDiegoFosterKids.com.