Foster Care
Children in this program have been removed from their biological families by Family Independence Agency and Family Courts because of neglect or abuse and typically need foster care for one to eighteen months. Children from all ethnic backgrounds ranging in age from infants to teenagers need foster homes.
The goal of foster care is to return the children to their parents when problems in the home have been resolved through counseling, parenting classes, substance abuse services, and other services outlined in their treatment plan. Every attempt is made to place brothers and sisters together in the same foster home. Foster families for teenagers and sibling groups of three are always in demand.
Information for Birthparents
- Birthparents are recognized as the preferred way of providing a healthy, nurturing, and loving family for children
- Bethany will work with your family, making every effort toward helping your family get back together again.
- You will be asked to participate in establishing treatment goals, leading to family reunification.
- When possible, you are asked to identify relatives, or another family known to you who could care for your children temporarily while the children are not able to be home. If for some reason, the children would not be able to return home, this family could possibly provide permanent care for your children
- You have the right to know what is happening to your child(ren) while they remain in care with Bethany. We encourage you to share with us any concerns you have.
- Bethany will have regular reviews regarding progress being made toward the goal of family reunification. You will be invited to meet with all attorneys, therapists, extended family members, foster parents, and Bethany staff involved in your reunification plan.
Bethany provides the following services:
- Regular parent/child visitation
- Development of a Parent/Agency Agreement
- Personal, family, and marital therapy
- Referrals to appropriate community service providers
- Opportunities to meet regularly with a case manager
- Extended family meeetings and mediation
- Administrative and team review meetings to assess and review case planning
- Educational and medical planning and services for children in foster care
Becoming A Foster Parent
Who qualifies as a foster parent?
Couples or single adults committed to providing a loving home for children, a willingness to learn how to positively parent, and provide children ample space to grow. Foster parents demonstrate stability and maturity, and represent all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
What are the basics?
All members of the foster care family must be committed to taking on the extra responsibility of foster children. They must be willing to participate in a home study, become licensed through the State of Michigan, and follow the licensing rules of the state. Ongoing educational training is a required part of becoming a member of our professional team
Foster families need to be flexible enough to accommodate weekly counseling and visitation appointments for the children and their parents, as well as other commitments expected in caring for a child. Since foster care is a shared experienced between the biological parents and the foster parents, a working relationship between the biological and foster parents may be necessary.
How is foster care funded?
Medical and dental costs are paid through Medicaid. The State of Michigan has a per day payment schedule to reimburse foster parents for the food and clothing costs of the foster child.