Who can be a foster parent?

Anyone who is at least 21 years old and completes the Second Home sponsored training course, as well as all of the items included in Second Home Certification Checklist can be a foster parent.

What is the difference between a foster parent and a treatment parent?

A foster parent and a treatment parent both provide care to children who are not living with their biological families. What distinguishes a treatment parent from a foster parent is that a treatment parent must complete a comprehensive, on-going, specialized training program in order to implement in-home treatment strategies. This program includes a 40-hour pre-service training course, as well as continual education in behavioral management with emphasis on issues relating to emotional disturbances, developmental delays and medical needs. Through training and experience, the treatment parent becomes a valuable professional in the area of fostering children and youth with special needs. A treatment parent is expected to follow State (COMAR) and agency rules and regulations as provided by Second Home.

Each treatment parent enters an agreement with Second Home as outlined in the Treatment Parent Agreement.

What is expected of me as a foster parent?

When you make the commitment to become a foster parent you are taking a big step. You will be providing a home and basic needs to a foster child. You will be opening your heart and your home to a child and will be providing a supportive, nurturing environment in which he or she can grow and develop.

Will Second Home provide training for me?

Yes. Second Home will make a commitment to you as you are making a commitment to become a foster parent. The training you receive includes an initial 40 hours of pre-service training and on-going training throughout the year. During the training program you will receive the required licensing information. Second Home staff will work directly with you as needed during the process.

Will Second Home work with me and my family during the foster care process?

Yes. As you are faced with the challenges of working with emotionally disturbed children and youths, the Second Home staff will provide you with guidance and support. You will also have the opportunity to interact with other Second Home treatment parents. As a member of Second Home's team you will have a support network to ensure that everyone's needs are addressed. Additionally, group activities are conducted once or twice a month. Second Home has a 24-hour, 7 day a week on-call staff person if a situation arises during non-office hours.

What types of services and support are provided by Second Home?

Second Home provides you with the following:

• Case management services through the assignment of a Case Manager for your home. This person is a member of your team and acts as a liaison between your foster home and the community. Your Case Manager is available to you through phone calls, weekly technical/hands-on assistance and monthly home visits to help you with such things as obtaining your foster home license, maintaining the child in your home or other concerns or needs you may have.

• Recreational services for the child through community activities that work to improve his or her group interaction/socialization skills. During this time you are provided with a break and some personal time.

• Monthly parent support groups are offered so that you may interact with other Second Home foster parents. During this time you can share your experiences and offer support to one another.

• Emergency services through our on-call 24-hour staff to assist you if a crisis arises during non-office hours.

• Respite services when you need a break either as a result of behaviors of the child or a personal family emergency.

• Weekly counseling services for the child to improve his or her social and developmental skills.

Who are the children in need of foster care?

Children in need of foster care may have been abused, neglected or abandoned. They come from families that need to learn different ways of parenting. Foster care is the best way for many families to learn new parenting skills while the children are living in a safe place.

What steps do I have to take to become a foster parent?

You can begin the process of becoming a foster parent by attending a Second Home Orientation Program. This program is conducted the third Thursday of each month, excluding November. (Click here to find out when the next Orientation Program will be conducted.) At the orientation program you will be asked to complete a simple application form. A Second Home representative will contact you and you will be on your way to becoming a foster parent.

Is there a test or approval process to become a foster parent?

There is not a test but you will be required to attend the Pre-Service Training and successfully complete all necessary documentation for licensing. Refer to the Certification Checklist and Treatment Parent Agreement located in the Forms section of this website.

How long will a child stay in my home?

The length of stay for a child in your home will depend on the individual circumstances of the case. Some children will stay for only a brief time while the families remedy the problems that brought their children into care. Other children may remain in foster care for much longer for a variety of reasons.

Do we meet the child before he or she moves into our home?

Second Home will conduct a pre-placement visit between you and the child before arrangements are made for the child to move into your home.

Who from Second Home will work with me?

A team of Second Home personnel will work with you and provide you with as much support, guidance, and assistance you need in order to meet the needs of the child placed with you. At Second Home since we believe that it takes an entire village to raise a child, you will work with most, if not all, of our staff in one way or another to ensure a successful outcome.

Are there regular visits from Second Home while the child is in my care?

Your Case Manager will visit with you in your home at least twice monthly and more frequently if deemed necessary by you and your case manager.