Foster Parent

Job Description

Job Description

Position Purpose and Objective:

The purpose and objective of a foster parent is to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home for children who are temporarily unable to live with their biological families. Foster parents play a critical role in helping children feel secure, cared for, and emotionally supported during difficult transitions in their lives.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Develop, in conjunction with the Clinical Case Manager and the foster youth, short term goals and contract in writing as to the responsibilities, obligations, procedures and rules of the Treatment Home, as well as relating to the child’s needs for personal growth and development.  
• Provide a supportive and nurturing relationship within the home with adequate supervision of the youth’s activities as outlined in the youth’s treatment plan agreement.  
• Attend and complete all mandatory in-service program training, Foster Parent meetings and program functions.  
• Maintain regular communications with the foster youth’s Clinical Case Manager, biological or reunifying family, and probation officer, of applicable. 
• Use the Emergency Procedures as outlined. 
• Have a reliable motor vehicle and plan, arrange and handle all transportation needs of the youth, e.g., medical, dental and therapy appointments, emergency care, school meetings, family visits and court appearances. Foster Parents are also expected to aid in the transition of a foster youth in the event that the placement is terminated ad/or another placement has been found.  
• Attend all school meetings, foster care reviews, quarterly meetings, and court hearings of foster youth, ect.  
• Notify the Clinical Case Manager with advanced notice of any out-of-state visits, and provide program approved back-up supervision plan during any extended absences from the home.  
• Have a telephone available in the home at all times that is accessible to the youth.  
• Cover any unusual expenses incurred by the foster youth during placement process, e.g., property damage, phone bills. Gándara is not responsible for payment in the event of damage to of loss of the foster parents’ property caused by the foster child. Foster parents are advised to review their insurance policies to assure liability coverage. Gándara is not responsible for paying any long distance phone calls made from the Foster Parents’ home. You Clinical Case Manager will work with you in advising you in ways of limiting telephone use.  
• Uphold guidelines against the use of drugs and alcohol. The use of alcohol or illegal substances by program clients is not permitted by this agency under any circumstances! In the event this behavior should occur with the knowledge and approval of a Foster Parent, it will result in a program investigation and notification of the appropriate authorities and agencies.  
• Adhere to program guidelines regarding firearms. Foster parents are entitled to own firearms providing they have the required firearms permits, due to the emotional challenges of the population we serve, no firearms or ammunition, under any circumstances, are to be stored in any home or property where a foster youth resides. Foster children are prohibited from engaging in any activities involving weapons of any kind.  
• Report all illegal activities to the Clinical Case Manager.  
• Arrange to undertake other actions with regard to a foster child, such as authorization of school related activities, and are required to follow the child’s special education plans under Chapter 766 of the Massachusetts Act of 1972.  
• Not give up full-time care taking responsibilities of any foster youth to anyone other than the agency or person designated by the agency, unless ordered to do so by the court.  
• Be licensed and accept clients only from the Gándara Center and no other placement agency.  
• Get approval from the Director of Foster Care through your Family Resource worker if you wish to do volunteer work or attend school.  
• Uphold agency guidelines regarding confidentiality. All background material on a foster youth including historical, psychological and psychiatric data are extremely confidential sources of information and are not to be indiscriminately shared with anyone, including family members and friends.   
• Plan for the care of your foster youth during an extended absence of the foster parent, including providing adequate notice of such absence so that the Clinical Case Manager and foster parent can assure the continuity of care.  
• Meet weekly with Clinical Case Manager. 
• Meet monthly with Family Resource worker. 

Additional Information: 

• You have a right to complete access of your annual assessment and bi-annual license renewal. 
• You have the right to maintain the child rearing practices of your home as long as they are consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
• Foster parents are expected to adhere to all state law and agency requirements regarding disciplinary practices. Physical discipline is never allowed under any circumstances.  
• Foster Parent stipend checks will be available by direct deposit every other Friday afternoon or at the CFC 1095 Main St, Springfield office, checks may also be mailed upon request. Foster Parent Stipends are $73.35 per day.   

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and manage day to day communication
• Be physically and emotionally able to provide safe, consistent care.
• Have stable income to meet your household needs.
• Provide personal and medical references
• Welcome a home visit and family assessment
• Have sufficient time, flexibility, and a reliable support system
• Have a valid ID and reliable transportation
• Complete required background checks including criminal history, sex offender registry, and child welfare checks with fingerprinting.
• Willing to not operate a daycare in your home.
• Have no more than three children under 18 living in your home.