150 likes | 282 Views
817.792.4409 www.adoptchildren.org www.dfps.state.tx.us. North Texas Regional Placement Collaboration. We are a collaboration of partner agencies that work together for the purpose of recruiting, training, and retaining foster families.
E N D
817.792.4409 www.adoptchildren.org www.dfps.state.tx.us
North Texas RegionalPlacement Collaboration • We are a collaboration of partner agencies that work together for the purpose of recruiting, training, and retaining foster families. • Each agency holds a license & contract with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and All agencies represented have access to ALL of the children in the custody of the state. • Every agency has a unique mission and vision, so families should carefully consider each agency to find which is the best fit for their family.
Selecting an Agency • Review the Child Placing Agencies Grid to narrow down a “short list” of agencies that would be a good fit for your family • Review the detailed profiles in the folder • Contact the agency or agencies that appear to be the best match for your family • Choose One agency and then let them know that you’ve chosen to partner with them • Complete the Agency Selection Form (mark the One agency you chose) and mail it to address listed on the form.
Community Report to Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-252-5400 Investigation Family Based Safety Services Legal/Ongoing Foster Care Reunification Adoption A Child’s JourneyThrough “The System”
Number of Children in Foster Care and Waiting for Adoption(as of Oct 2010) State Total for Foster Care: 16,643 Region 3 Total for Foster Care: 2,975 State Total Legally Free for Adoption: 5,725 Region 3 Legally Free for Adoption: 961
Ethnicity of Region 3 Children in Foster Care and Waiting for Adoption(as of Oct 2010)
Foster Care • Temporary • Goal is Reunification • Children are in the custody of the State • Foster families work with birth families • Successful foster families have a support network of people who can encourage and assist them.
Foster-to-Adopt (Dual-Licensed) • Must approach as foster care • Committed to plan for Reunification • Children are in the custody of the State • Foster families work with birth families • Will likely care for several children before a child stays for adoption
Foster Children Receive • Insurance Coverage for Doctors, Dentists, Vision and Counseling • Education in Neighborhood Schools • Permission to go on Family Vacations, in country • Reimbursement for Care provided to foster parents and intended to help offset the cost of caring for the child
Adoption • Birth Parent’s rights have been terminated • These are the children represented on the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange website (www.adoptchildren.org) • Families are selected for child(ren) based on ability to meet the needs of the child • The child(ren) will live in the adoptive home for at least 6 months before the adoption can be finalized in the court. • Permanent or “Forever Family”
Children Receiving Special Recruitment Sibling Groups of 3 (or more) children School Age Children Ages 9 - 17 Children with Primary Medical Needs
Special Needs Adoption Criteria: • 6 years or older • Racial/ethnic minority and 2 years or older • Placed for adoption as a sibling group • Lifelong handicapping condition • Special Needs Families May Receive: • Medicaid • Monthly Subsidy • Non-Recurring Adoption Expenses • College Tuition and Fees at a State School and some Vocational and Technical Schools • All Adoptive Families have access to Post Adoption Services, including Counseling & Respite Care
Over 21 Single, divorced, married, or widowed No major life changes or challenges within the past year Background checks including electronic fingerprinting Pre-Service Training Documentation to meet Minimum Standards and Agency Policies Inspections (fire & health) Adequate Space Positive Home Study No physical discipline Basic RequirementsThese requirements can vary by agency—please speak with the agencies that appear to be a good match with your family to determine their specific requirements.
Steps in the Process • Information meeting • Select one Agency and then let them know that you’ve chosen to partner with them • Complete the Agency Selection Form and mail to address on the form • The Agency you choose will guide you through the next steps of the verification process
IF NOT YOU… THEN WHO?