GETTING A FOSTER CARE LICENSE: Private Agency vs State

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

Fostering Family & Faith Video Time Codes (Click them to skip to that part of the video) 0:00 Intro & Overview 0:47 Two extremes when it comes to deciding between a private agency vs getting licensed with the state 1:19 Negative consequences of not thinking through who you get licensed with 1:42 Three reasons to switch from a private agency to the state or from the state to a private agency 3:33 #1 Reason to get licensed with a private foster agency - Greater Support 4:11 #2 Reason to get licensed with a private foster agency - Community 5:02 #3 Reason to get lincensed with a private foster agency - Reach 5:23 #4 Reason to get licensed with a private foster agency - Filter 5:18 #5 Reason to get licensed with a private foster agency - Christain Basis 7:18 #1 Reason to get your license directly through the state - 1 Social Worker visit per month, instead of two 8:00 #2 Reason to get your license directly through the state - No Visit Requirements 9:00 #3 Reason to get your license directly through the state - Quicker Placement 9:35 #4 Reason to get your license directly through the state - Greater Selection of Children 10:36 #5 Reason to get your license directly through the state - More Feasible 11:11 My Final Thoughts

[@tigerx22]

Super helpful!! Thank you for answering this question❤❤

[@gailmorgan1244]

Most of this was excellent advice and good thoughts to consider. However there are agencies in which you do not have to pay for a home study or your classes. We are going through KVC and our homestudy fee and all of our classes are completely free.

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

Great point! Working through the state, homestudies and training are free! Such an important piece to remember, when deciding between the state or an agency!

[@kcot]

I appreciate your video but much of what you said I'd the opposite in my state. For example my agency does visits and transport.

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

Thanks for your feedback! With so many different agencies, I am sure each one is unique in the services they offer. So wonderful you found one that will do both visits & transport the kiddos to and from visits!

[@AimeeMarsh-m5y]

Can you be licensed through both?

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

In my state, Washington, you either need to get licensed through the state directly, or through a private agency. Often times, foster parents will start off and get licensed through either the state or agency and then decide to switch a year or more into fostering, which is totally an option as well. Only downfall in switching is that you may be required to do extra paperwork etc.

[@diymomma5247]

New subscriber, this was very helpful! Thank you! 😊

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

Thanks so much for subscribing! So glad this was helpful!

[@AimeeMarsh-m5y]

How do you attend 3 visits a week while working 9-5?

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

We have a transporter/visit supervisor that picks up out kids, stays throughout the visit and monitors or supervises, and then brings the child(ren) home. I don't work, but many foster parents do. In that case, kids can be picked up and/or returned from a visit from daycare or from school. Great question!

[@followtheKing1111]

Hello! Are there certain adoption agencies that pay more per month? Of course pay should not be why someone cares for kids but it's good to know. If so, is it a lot higher per month or just like $50?

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

Adoption agencies do not "pay" potential parents to adopt. If you are talking about the stipend, offered to FOSTER parents to help with the daily care of foster children, I am not sure. Our family does not work through an agency. You might want to reach out to local agencies in your area for further answers to your questions.

[@followtheKing1111]

@@Jen-FosteringFamily Yes I believe I meant foster care agencies. Thank you and may God bless you

[@RelatableMotherhood]

Private agency sounds more personal, but State sounds like a lot less hassle! This video was super informative. Thank you!! =)

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

So glad you enjoyed it! Yes, there is definitely pro's & con's to each!

[@michellehood3345]

In training the State makes it sound as if Resource Parents should drive the child everywhere and supervise visits they even make us sign papers that we understand that we will do it...im in DC

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

Michelle - Are you working with a private agency? My understasnding is that private agencies are more likely to request foster parents drive their kids to/from visits etc. If not, I would talk to other foster parents in your area, via a Fb group, message board etc & see what is protocal in your area. Also, I would read through your state's Administrative Codes to confirm what the requirements are for foster parents in your state. Sadly, each state's rules for foster parents can vary widely.

[@christiannepogie5937]

Awesome video!

[@Jen-FosteringFamily]

Thank you!