Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent
Youth Alternatives Ingraham foster parents must meet the following criteria to qualify for consideration for acceptance in our program. We are committed to helping our prospective professional parents through this process. If you need clarification or more information about any of these requirements, please contact our Foster Home Recruiter.
Youth Alternatives Ingraham Treatment Foster Parent applicants must:
- Be licensed or be prepared to be licensed as a Specialized Children's Foster Home
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Reside in the southern Maine area
- Have a valid driver's license and an insured automobile
- Meet the required levels of educational, professional and/or volunteer experience (request the Youth Alternatives Ingraham Foster Parent Application for details)
- Attend the 30-hour pre-service training
- Attend annual training, as well as annual First Aid, CPR and MANDT training (specific current training requirements are available from our Foster Home Recruiter)
- Must be willing to sign and follow the Service Agreement with Youth Alternatives Ingraham Treatment Foster Care each year.
The State of Maine and Youth Alternatives Ingraham also require that foster parents be individuals who are open and accepting of regular contact with the child's birth family. As a foster parent, you must be willing and able to work with schools, therapists and other providers, and be able to keep information about the child confidential. Additionally, foster parents must be respectful of the religious and cultural background and practices of the child placed in your home.
To get more information, to talk with our Foster Home Recruiter personally, or to receive a packet of materials by mail, send an e-mail to smaclaughlin@yimaine.org; call 207 523-5038; or fax 207 874 1124.
