There are certain steps that must be taken before you become certified as a Serenity foster family. It may initially sound like a lot, but each step individually taken will ensure the safe placement of a little child within your home.
The required training sessions will provide you with a comprehensive foster parent manual which includes:
All the necessary forms,
Specialized instructions,
And complete step-by-step procedures to guide you through the certification process.
The following is a partial list of the requirements needing to be fulfilled:
The foster family will receive a monthly stipend for each foster child in their care. They must be able to meet all of the family’s expenses without relying on the monies from the foster child. Families receiving welfare of AFDC monies cannot be certified.
Applicants must have fingerprint and child abuse clearances through Community Care Licensing, the State regulatory agency. Live Scan fee is $55.00 per person.
Three personal reference letters (non-relatives) are requested from people who know you and have seen you interact with children.
An employer reference letter.
An evaluation will be conducted on your home. A checklist will be given to you and each step explained during the training. Attention to safety issues is primary.
Current physical and TB clearance.
Certification in Infant, Child and Adult CPR with First Aid. Classes, or referral classes will be available though Serenity. If you have a swimming pool, you must complete a Water Safety class. Class fees are generally $25-$40 per person.
A vehicle inspection must be completed on the primary car used to transport the foster children. A form will be provided by Serenity. A DMV printout and a copy of your current automobile insurance are required. DMV offices charge $5.00 for each printout.
21 hours of pre-certification training includes a mini-training for the foster family's natural children.
Additional training is required for foster parents of "at-risk" babies, as well as foster parents for pregnant and parenting teens.
Ongoing support groups and continuing education is also provided for our foster parents.
Every little child deserves to be in a safe, loving home environment. In addition, because of the temporary or permanent separation from parents and other family members, the foster child needs special safeguards, resources and care. Serenity Infant Care Homes will work with you every step of the way to ensure a setting where the child can grow and thrive in safety.
Our goals are to provide wonderful foster families for our children and to provide the parents on-going support and services for their foster children.
" A heart at peace gives life
to the body"
Proverbs 14:30
Our unique programs help ensure success for our foster parents and foster children.
Our primary goal:
To nurture and care for children.
Serenity’s method is to provide treatment and resources to ensure that the child is ultimately placed in a safe, secure environment.
Although family reunification is the primary focus, Serenity supports the concurrent plan philosophy:
“Should reunification efforts fail, a secondary permanent home meeting the child’s needs must be concurrently planned”.
