New Bern needs foster homes for infants, children and teenagers.
Foster care provides a temporary safe and loving environment for abused, neglected and dependent children who cannot live with their parents or relatives. Many of these children suffer with emotional and behavioral problems and need constant support and special care. If you live in New Bern and are interested in helping one of these children get back on track, you will need to apply for a foster care license from the Craven County Department of Social Services.
Instructions
1. Meet the minimum requirement for fostering. In accordance with North Carolina, you must be aged 21 years or over, have a stable home and income and keep a drug-free home.
2. Contact the Craven County Department of Social Services. You can call them at 252-636-4900, email or visit them (see Resource 1). Register your interest with one of their social workers to begin your licensing application.
3. Complete the compulsory training. North Carolina requires all potential foster parents to complete 30 hours of preservice training. This teaches potential parents about child abuse and neglect, help foster children overcome their problems and how fostering may affect your existing family. Craven County Social Services will arrange dates and times for your training.
4. Complete background checks. The Department of Social Services will complete a series of checks to ensure the safety of any foster child in your care. This involves a criminal history and background check, fire inspections and a medical to assess your mental and physical health. All adult members of your household must complete a TB skin test to ensure a disease-free home.
5. Complete a home assessment. A social worker will visit your home as part of the licensing process. Craven County requires family history information for each applicant and will complete a financial and parenting assessment to ensure your suitability for fostering. You must able be able to provide a bed for each child and have a working telephone in your home.
6. Get your fostering license. On successful completion of the above steps, you are now legally allowed to foster children in New Bern and across the State of North Carolina.
Tags: Craven County, North Carolina, Social Services, Department Social, Department Social Services, County Department, County Department Social