Foster Parent - Pride Training Host Site

In keeping with the desire of the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry to encourage families in the area of foster care we are a hosting site for PRIDE classes beginning February 2012. These classes are required of both spouses for a family to become licensed for foster care.

To begin the process of becoming a foster parent you first need to choose a local agency to work through. The following are the more known agencies in our area:

Children’s Home 309- 685-1047

DCFS 309-671-7900

Family Core 309-676-2400

Lutheran Social Services 309-671-0300

Catholic Charities (in flux) 309-636-8000

Once you have chosen an agency you will receive a packet of information that includes an application. They will then do a home visit and the agency will sign you up for the PRIDE classes. You can request to be put in the classes being held at the 7229 N. Knoxville Ave. building of Bethany Baptist Church (please note these dates are on the DCFS schedule under Living Waters Church because that is the sign that identifies the building on Knoxville Ave). :

Feb. 18 9-4pm (2 sessions in one day)

Feb. 25 9-12noon

March 2, 10, 17, 24, 31 9-12noon

April 7 9-12noon

These dates don’t work for your family? Don’t let that be a deterrent there are other classes available in our area that may work better for your family!

As we are going into the Christmas season and these particular classes are open to any prospective foster parents it would be good to start talking with an agency before the holidays.

As part of the licensing process you will need to fill out an application, have physical exams on each family member, and anyone over 17 in your home will need to be fingerprinted. One of the parents will need to take the Educational Advocacy class; this class is being offered at Proctor Hospital on April 14, 2012 from 9-4pm. The licensing worker from your agency will walk you through these steps.

In need of something to do while you are waiting to be licensed? –

1. Pray that the Lord would help you to minister to the children that He will bring to you.

2. Pray that the Lord would help you to minister to the birth families of the children.

3. Pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of your family for what He will teach you.

4. Make a list of the things the Lord brings to your mind when you are praying – this will

be great to reflect on as you minister to the ‘least of these’.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Amy Park - levisix@frontier.com