There are 103 children in foster care in Lincoln County. Ninety-three of these are under the age of seventeen and ten are over seventeen years of age. Jason is responsible for thirty licensed foster homes. Foster children are placed into the homes on availability of space in these homes. Foster homes have strict requirements for the children: each must have their own bed, only siblings can share a room, and if there have been problems between siblings they must be in a separate room. There currently are twenty-five sibling groups for the 103 foster children. There are thirteen that are placed together in foster homes. Currently thirty-nine foster children are placed outside of Lincoln County; living with relatives or placed in special institutions for additional medical or mental needs.
To run a foster home there are some requirements. There must be sufficient income to meet monthly expenses One can be single, married or in an unmarried relationship, and if you married a copy of the marriage certificate must be provided.
A high school diploma is required or the ability to read and write must be demonstrated.
Foster/Adoptive parents can live in a single-family home, an apartment or manufactured home which is either rented or owned.
One does not have to be a parent to be a foster parent, but examples must be provided of how one would interact with children. Foster parents must complete thirty hours of pre-service training (MAPP).
Foster parents must be twenty-one years of age or older.
What is MAPP? This is the thirty hour training course for people interested in becoming licensed as foster parents, or who want to adopt. This highly interactive experience aims to give participants an understanding of the foster care system and how to best parent children who have experienced trauma. This course takes place over a sixteen weeks and is offered twice a year.
The benefits and support for foster parents:
Training that provides skills to better parent children who have experienced trauma as well as knowledge regarding the foster care system.
Foster Parents have their own Social Worker, who provides support and advocates for their needs.
Foster Parents are provided with a monthly stipend as well as other benefits.
Jason offered several suggestions to help and recruit Lincoln County foster parents. There can be recruitment events at local churches and other organizations. They can also use volunteers, monetary donations, and the sign campaign. There is a great need for food gift cards (Chick-fil-a, McDonalds, Little Caesars Pizza). For questions, please contact Jason at the following:
Placement Services Program Manager
Lincoln County Department of Social Services
P.O. Box 130
Lincolnton, NC 28093
Office: (704) 736-8783
jhughes@lincolncounty.org
www.fam.lincolncounty.org
