Foster Care Program
FALCON CHILDREN’S HOME IS A LICENSING AGENCY FOR FAMILY FOSTER HOMES BY THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE.
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is a protective service for families. Children who have been physically abused, sexually abused, neglected or maltreated are given a safe family environment in an agency approved home for a planned and temporary period of time.
How to become a Foster Parent
Participate in 30 hours of pre-service decision making training, complete a Mutual Home assessment, applicant’s home must pass fire inspection, applicant’s home must pass an Environmental and health Regulations check, must have physical examination completed by licensed medical provider, complete a criminal background check (state and local) to include Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry check (all adults in the home 18 or above), must have a working telephone (landline).
Foster Parent Qualities
Prospective foster families must be willing to partner with FCHFS, the county department of Social Services, the child's (children's) families, and the juvenile court system to create and carry out a plan that will resolve the concerns/issues that necessitated their removal from their home. FCHFS Foster staff will serve as the liaison between the foster family and these organizations.
Qualities of a foster family are extraordinarily tolerant, patient, perseverant, flexible, dedicated, nurturing, able to express affection, prepared to accept the changes in lifestyle that come from being a foster parent, and be good communicators.
Who can be a Foster Parent?
FCHFS Eligibility Requirements to be considered a Licensed Foster Parent:
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Have lived in North Carolina for a minimum of one year by the time licensure is approved
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Have fewer than five children (under 18) living in the home
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Provide adequate space to safely and comfortably accommodate a child (more than one bedroom in the home)
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Be able to successfully pass all required background checks
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Be actively involved in a Christian church and able to provide a pastoral reference
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Couples must be legally married for at least one year at the time the license is approved
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Ensure the home is free of bodies of water, unless they are properly fenced
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Be willing to participate in shared parenting when requested, including:
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Communicating with birth parents (such as sharing pictures, grades, and extracurricular updates)
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Supervising phone calls when appropriate
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Be willing and able to transport children placed in the home to all required appointments and potential visitations
* Agree to maintain foster licensure in compliance with all state and agency guidelines
Services offered to Foster Parents
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Certified TIPS-MAPP trainers
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Certified Deciding Together trainers
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Certified Shared Parenting trainers
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Provide trauma informed, crisis management, medication administration, and continuing education training to assist families in achieving and maintaining their foster home license.
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Train and certify foster families who desire to be foster to adopt families.
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Connection to resources available through FCHFS Residential programs as well as Falcon Academy.
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Opportunity to participate in planned events / activities that provide opportunities for connection and networking with other FCHFS Foster Families, as well as, other programs of FCHFS.
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Ongoing supervision and support visits.
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24 hour access to FCHFS Foster Care staff.
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Respite care provided as needed.
Ashley Cooley
When we decided to answer the call to foster I reached out to Falcon Children’s Home because I had heard nothing but great things about their staff. From the the very beginning they supported us, answered our crazy questions, and guided us. Even now as we are about to hit our 1 year anniversary of fostering they continue to be our greatest supporters, cheerleaders, and prayer warriors! I feel so blessed that we began our journey with Falcon because I can’t imagine doing this without them ❤️
Kim Grizzard
After years of seeking God’s will about fostering to adopt, Falcon Children’s Home and Family Services has been an answer to prayer. Through each step of the process, the caring and committed staff at Falcon has been available to make sure that we had everything we needed. They have answered our questions, prayed with us and simply come alongside us through this journey. We cannot imagine that we would be where we are in the adoption process without them, and we are so grateful!