Frequently Asked Questions - Bloom Our Youth

Frequently asked questions.

Below, we have answered some of our most commonly asked questions.

What is the process to become a foster parent?

The process to becoming a foster parent is outlined in the 6-step Home Assessment Process.

Step 1: Initial Contact:

Contact Bloom and express your interest in becoming a foster parent.

Step 2: Orientation Meeting:

Attend a meeting that provides an overview of foster parenting.

Step 3: Background Checks:

Pass a Child Protective Services Clearance background check.

Step 4: The Home Visit:

Complete an initial home walk-through safety check.

Step 4: Impact Pre-Service Training Classes:

Attend 24 hours of IMPACT training.

Step 5: Mutual Assessment & Home Study:

Complete home visits, interviews, and mandatory CPR/FIRST AID training.

Step 6: Final Safety Inspection:

Complete a final home walk-through safety check. Bloom will submit the home study to the Office of Provider Management for final approval.

Step 7: Placement:

Receive a foster child placement.

What are the characteristics I need to become a good foster parent?

Stability.

Patience.

Ability to nurture.

Maturity.

Commitment.

Dependability.

Flexibility.

Sense of Humor.

Enjoys children and is an advocate for them.

Willingness to be a team player by working with assigned Family Consultants, birth parents, and community service providers.

Who are the children in need of placement?

Children referred to our agency have been removed from their homes by the Department of Family and Children’s Services due to abuse or neglect and need temporary substitute homes. Children come from all socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. They range in age from infancy to age 21. The average length of time a child remains in foster care is one year and seven months. Most children will return to their birth families though some remain in foster care throughout their teen years. If a foster child becomes available for adoption, foster parents may apply to adopt the child or children.

Is there financial help available for foster families?

Yes, foster parents are given an amount each month to defray the cost of caring for each child they foster. The exact rate is based on the age and needs of a child. In addition, when a child first enters care, the state provides an initial clothing allowance of $200 for children birth to 12 years and $300.00 for youth ages 13 and over. An additional yearly clothing allowance of $200 is also provided.

What types of children are most in need of foster care in our community?

Teenagers.

Sibling groups.

Therapeutic Children under the age of 5.

Does the child have medical insurance?

Yes, each child’s medical expenses are covered by Medicaid. Other child related services such as psychological, psychiatric, and speech therapy are services the State will pay for depending on the needs of the child. Safety items such as car seats are usually purchased by foster parents, who are reimbursed.

What is the minimum income requirement to be eligible to foster a child or children?

It is necessary for the fostering parents to have sufficient income to support their current family’s needs before adding an additional child to their family. Foster Parents will be required to provide proof of income & a household budget.

Is home ownership a requirement?

No, you can rent or own an apartment, single-family house or condominium.

Can I work outside of my home?

Provided the work plan is guided by the needs of the child, foster parents can work outside of the home. The State provides daycare services to foster families who work full time outside the home.

Is there a limit to the number of children in my home?

Yes. Currently, in the state of Georgia, there is a maximum of 6 children allowed in the home (this number includes your own children).

If a child is referred to my family, do I have the option of refusal?

Yes. If you think that the placement of a particular child will not work with the dynamics of your family, you have the right to refuse placement of that child.

Can single parents become a foster parent?

Yes, fostering by single parents is permissible and supported.

Does a recent marriage, divorce, birth of a child or other major change in the family affect the application process?

Yes. Any major life change will be assessed on an individual basis. Sometimes a brief wait is encouraged. Families need stability before considering the addition of a child.