Pinal County Arizona

Florence AZ (June 6, 2013) – Pinal County Arizona employees interested in becoming foster parents attended a seminar sponsored by the Pinal County Employee Wellness Coalition given by Chrissy Edwards, program coordinator for Arizona’s Children Association (ACA).

Edwards opened the seminar stating, “There are currently 77 Pinal County kids in group homes. We want to get them out and into a real home.”

She went on to explain that children are removed from homes based not on an arbitrary judgment but after considering multiple factors.

“First there is a phone call made to Child Protective Services (CPS),” the ACS coordinator explained. “If CPS determines that child is at risk, they will remove the child from that situation. The first question asked is if there is a relative or a friend who could provide care, which is less traumatic for the child. We call this a “relative placement.” If that is not available, then we look for a family foster home.”

The children will stay in the relative placement or foster setting until the case is resolved.

“Foster care is temporary, the goal is almost always reunification with the family,” the ACA coordinator added. “Adoption is permanent and sometimes those who foster a child for a long period of time will end up adopting them if reunification is impossible.”

Once a child is placed into foster care, the temporary family will know as much as CPS does about the child’s case; placement becomes a learning situation for both CPS and the foster family.

“When a child comes into foster care, we know very little about them. We know the basics – name, age and why they were removed. We find out medical history and school history later. While the child is in foster care, there are two plans designed for the child:  The first plan is reunification with the family and the second is adoption by the foster family or by another family. Planning for either alternative ensures that the child does not linger in the system for an extended period of time,” explained Edwards.

She added, “At any point up to the severance of parental rights, that child can be returned to birth parents or relatives if the guardians can meet the demands of the court. The entire process can take anywhere from a year to two years. It’s an emotional journey, but it is one we hope people will take.”

Edwards concluded her presentation with the following comments and information, “Behavior is the language of children, I really believe that. They can act out due to the trauma they have experienced. This is a relationship that develops over time. I have seen some amazing relationships develop out of this situation. Even though the child was returned to the birth family over five years ago, the child and foster family are still in contact. I even had some birth mothers tell me that they wouldn’t be the mother they are today without the help of the foster mother.”

There are stringent requirements to qualify to be a foster parent. A person must be 21 years or older, can be married or single, immunization records will be required, five character references must be provided, a sufficient family income is needed, and the person must submit to a home study or family assessment. Other requirements include attending 33 hours of classroom training, everyone in the home 18 years or older must submit to fingerprinting and obtain a Level One Clearance Card, a home inspection and offer appropriate sleeping arrangements for the foster child.

“We are not going to go through the home with a white glove, but we need to make sure this will be a proper arrangement for the child. We don’t just drop the child off and say good luck. We have support systems set up for foster parents.”

Foster parents have access to medical, dental and prescription coverage for the child, money for child care assistance if needed, money for financial support of the child, and several other items that come along with fostering a child such as support groups and respite care. To learn more about becoming a foster family, contact Chrissy Edwards at (480) 474-2263.

This SedonaEye.com article written and submitted by Joe Pyritz, Pinal County.

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