Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can become a foster parent?
Whether single or married, full-time employed or retired, you can become a foster parent.
Don't most people become foster parents for the money?
No. Foster parenting is a challenging, life changing and rewarding experience that affects all aspects of life. Few jobs require the level of flexibility, caring and acceptance necessary to do this work. Foster Parents are compensated with a daily board rate and mileage. The daily board rate ranges from $39 to $75 (per day) depending on the assessed needs of the children in their care. Foster parents tell us that their greatest compensation is helping children return to their families or, if that is not possible, to help their foster children find a permanent home.
How do I become a foster parent with Youth Alternatives Ingraham?
Call a Foster Home Recruiter at 523-5038, or send an e-mail to smaclaughlin@yimaine.org. We conduct several interviews with you, obtain reference letters and pass on all information to the Maine Department of Human Services (DHHS). DHHS issues a Foster Care License to approved applicants. The interviewing and approval process can take 3-6months.
Why does it take so long?
We are careful to assess the abilities of the whole family applying, to ensure that the foster home meets licensing standards and to allow you time to learn more about foster parenting.
Why do these kids need foster care?
When a family is unable to consistently care for or protect their youngster, then foster care is the least restrictive alternative proposed. These young people need a stable home and a helping hand.
What is the success rate with these kids?
Success is a relative term. Sometimes, a young person improves in one small area, but leaves with many problems intact. A few finish high school and continue for more education. Each small step is a success.
How long does the young person stay with you?
In treatment foster care, the young person may stay anywhere from a few weeks to several years depending upon the permanency plan. The average stay is approximately 18 months. The goal of foster care is reunification with birth family, and if that is not possible, then to find a permanent family. Each young person’s treatment team <link> stays with a foster family as long as it is felt that the placement is appropriate and productive.
In multidimensional foster care, the young person stays with the foster family for 6 to 12 months with the goal of reunifying with their biological family at the end of that time period.
Who makes decisions about discipline?
You are the temporary parent and you decide on any disciplinary action. No physical punishment is permitted. Youth Alternatives Ingraham caseworkers are available for consultation at any time.
Who is the legal guardian?
In treatment foster care, the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the legal guardian for young people in the program. In multidimensional foster care, the youth’s legal guardians are their biological family and the State of Maine Department of Corrections (DOC).
Do you get to meet the young person before he/she moves in?
Youth Alternatives Ingraham spends a lot of time matching young people with a foster family. In traditional foster care, often the young person visits with a foster family several times before a placement decision is made. In multidimensional foster care, the program director works closely with the foster family to find a “good match.” The foster family and young person initially meet at Youth Alternatives on the day of the move.
During the matching process, where is the young person living?
He/she may be living at one of the Youth Alternatives Ingraham residential programs or in a group or bridge home. The young person may be in another foster home or possibly may be coming directly from their biological family’s home. In multidimensional foster care, the young person may be coming from a youth detention center.
