Visit our new Adoption/ Foster Care Discussion Board!
There are nearly 10,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system and a critical need for more loving foster families to care for them across the state. Arizona’s Children Association seeks out all families who can open their hearts and homes to children who need them.
To learn about specific children that are available for foster care / adoption, please click below:
Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Care:
Q: Who can be foster parents?
A: Arizona’s Children Association seeks out all types of families that can provide a supportive and stable home environment. Arizona’s Children Association is committed to diversity and providing culturally appropriate services.
Q. Do I need to own my own home?
No. You may rent, live in an apartment or a manufactured home. You just need to have adequate, safe living space for a foster child.
Q: Who are foster children?
A: Foster children have been removed from the only home they have known because of physical/sexual abuse, neglect/abandonment. These life experiences may manifest into behaviors associated with trauma. Foster children are in need of a loving, supportive home where they are able to develop with the assistance of devoted parents. Children range in ages from 0-17 years of age and often consist of sibling groups.
Q: How many training hours do I need to complete prior to getting licensed?
A: The PS-MAPP training consists of 30 hours of class
time. After your initial licensure, foster parents are required
to complete a minimum of 6 hours of advanced training prior to their
renewal license.
Q: What is the role of the foster family?
A: Foster families open their hearts and homes to children who need them. They are entrusted to love, nurture and protect these children, knowing that their time with them is only temporary. Foster parents are there in good times and bad, instilling in the children the skills they will need to face life’s challenges and opportunities. Families are also responsible for working cooperatively with all team participants including birth families.
Q: What are the qualifications?
A: Arizona’s Children Association’s foster families must be approved by the state through the foster licensing process, which includes orientation, intake interview, 30 hours of training, fingerprinting and homestudy. This process typically takes 4-6 months to complete. They must also be:
- 21 years of age
- married or single
- financially stable
- emotionally ready for parenting
- in good physical health
- free of serious CPS or criminal background
- flexible schedule to meet needs of children in care
- able to provide transportation for children
- willing to consider sibling groups
- available to take in children on emergency notice
- committed to reunification with the child’s biological family
Foster Family Support
Foster families choose the agency they work with for their training, licensure and ongoing support. Arizona’s Children Association prides itself on a variety of unique programs and services to support our foster families. For complete information about specific foster care services offered in your area, click on the appropriate region below:
* For foster parents wishing to access the DES QuickConnect System, click here to link to the DES site.
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