QUALIFICATIONS OF FOSTER PARENTS
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Pass a strenuous background check.
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Be at least 25 years of age.
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Be financially stable.
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Be physically and emotionally healthy and able to perform their duties.
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Ability to read, write and speak English. [English does not have to be the primary language.]
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Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance.
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Willing to obtain liability insurance.
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Complete 23-hour preservice training [TN Keys].
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Own or rent your own home.
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Complete a home study, medical exam, and an informational meeting.
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Provide a safe, stable, and secure environment for the child/youth.
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Have room in your home and in your daily life.
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Role model healthy family living.
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Support permanency plans and goals.
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Nurture positive attachments with children and youth, their families, and other significant relationships.
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Meet the physical and mental health care needs of the child/youth.
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Promote social and emotional development.
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Promote educational attainment and success.
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Collaborate with Superior Caregivers, DCS, providers, and child and family team members.
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Willingness to interact with and mentor birth parents.
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Advocate for resources to meet needs specific to the child/youth.
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Prepare children and youth for self-sufficient and responsible adult lives.
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Engage activities to meet children’s individual recreational, cultural, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and spiritual needs, corresponding with agency policy.
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Meet and maintain all licensing or approval requirements.
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Develop and build skills as a foster parent – participate in training, professional/skill development, foster parent associations and support groups.