Our Children's Homestead
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​Becoming a Foster Parent

    RSVP for "Becoming a Foster Parent" informational meeting 5/21/18 6:00pm-8:00pm
    Enjoy some snacks while having a conversation with our team about what it means to be a foster parent at OCH. Get all your questions answered in a comfortable setting with no pressure for commitment. We can't wait to meet you! Walk-ins welcome
    ​

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Can't make it? No worries, we have a meeting every 3rd Monday of each month
Foster parents play a critical role at Our Children’s Homestead. These incredibly dedicated individuals are engaged in the daily challenge of bringing hope and happiness into our children’s lives.
Our Children’s Homestead foster parents provide safe, stable home environments for OCH foster children. We need adults who are willing to help with the medical, educational and mental health needs of our children. Our foster parents need to be able to work with various agencies, schools and care providers with the best interests of the children at heart. OCH foster parents are filled with commitment, patience and understanding, along with intense dedication to our children.  Each foster parent is assigned a licensing representative who will assist them through the licensing process and continue to monitor their home and provide support throughout their time with OCH.

Minimum Requirements
•    At least 21 years of age
•    Rent or own your own home
•    Can be single, married or cohabitating
•    Have sufficient financial resources to meet basic needs
•    Pass a criminal background check and home inspection



For more information, please contact one of our foster parent recruiters
Naperville: Ray Rezek at rrezek@ourchildrenshomestead.org or call (630) 392-2889
Rockford:  Troy Reeves at treeves@ourchildrenshomestead.org or call (815) 316-7626.

How to become an OCH Foster Parent
    • Contact an OCH Foster Parent Recruiter
    • Complete initial application packet
    • Participate in (3) home visits with Licensing Representative
    • Complete (27) hour PRIDE Training
    • Complete (6) hour Educational Advocacy Training
    • Complete CPR and First Aid Training
    • Complete other paperwork as needed
Naperville- foster parent application
rockford- foster parent application
Naperville-Transfer of foster parent license
Rockford-transfer of foster parent license

Request a Call to learn if fostering is for you

Submit
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of being an OCH foster parent?
  • The chance to help children feel good about themselves

  • Pride in doing a meaningful and important job

  • The ability to give a child a family and a home

  • The opportunity to meet and work with new people

  • A chance to pursue special talents and knowledge

  • The opportunity to make a lifetime of difference in a relatively short period of time

What kind of training and support can I expect to receive as a foster parent?
To become a licensed foster parent, applicants will take a (27) hour class entitled “Pride” which is offered through DCFS. They will also be required to complete (16) hours of continuing education classes each year to maintain licensed status.  Continuing education training options include DCFS conferences, DCFS Lending Libraries Catalog, DCFS In-Service Modules, and the DFCS Virtual Training Center.

Our Children’s Homestead also offers the “Foster Parent Training Academy.” This academy is based on the belief that foster parents need to feel supported and to be educated to handle the children placed in their homes. Ongoing meetings are conducted by either OCH staff or outside professionals that thoroughly cover topics of interest and address any concerns they may have.

Each foster child is assigned a personal caseworker, a master’s level therapist, and mentors who are available to assist foster parents in providing supportive and positive environments for our children.

What kind of financial assistance is available?
Foster families receive a set reimbursement to help with the expenses incurred while a child is in their home. Children carry medical and dental insurance coverage while in foster care.

Why would I choose to affiliate with a private agency such as OCH and not DCFS?
71% of the children in foster care in Illinois are handled by private agencies. At OCH, we pride ourselves in being a small agency that remains close to all of our foster families, focusing on their needs and how we can help them succeed.  We respond quickly to questions and issues that arise.  Most of our services are provided by our own staff, not contracted service providers.

What do home visits involve?
A home visit is a full inspection of the home that includes ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in operating condition, water temperature is in compliance, and the home is equipped with a fire extinguisher. Also, the Licensing Worker will check the conditions of the bedroom(s) identified for foster children to ensure that adequate space and furnishings are provided. Expect at least three home visits during the foster home licensure process.

How long does the licensing process take?
Earning a foster home license typically takes about four months from the initiation of the licensing process. OCH offers training, and DCFS gives credit through lending libraries catalog, in service modules, the Virtual Training Center, and conferences.  Please be aware that (64) hours of training is required for license renewal.

How long is my license effective?
A foster parent license is effective for four years. After four years, one has the option of renewing the license for another four years or closing the license. At any point during the four years, one may surrender the license by completing a form with the Licensing Worker.

Who do I contact if I have more questions about foster care licensing?
Please contact Jackie Ganz in the Licensing Department at jganz@ourchildrenshomestead.org or call (630)-369-0004.
  


Contact Us
Naperville Office: (630) 369.0004      Rockford Office: (815) 316.7626      info@ourchildrenshomestead.org
                         

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Locations

Naperville Office: 387 Shuman Blvd. ste.170E Naperville, IL
Rockford Office: 7210 E. State Street, Suite 210 Rockford, IL 61108


SERVICES
Foster Care
Adoption
Clinical
Mentor Program
GET INVOLVED
Donate
Become a Foster Parent
Volunteer
Join Our Team
ABOUT US
Who we are
Administrative Team
Partnerships
License, accreditation & memberships
Annual Reports
NEWS/EVENTS
Success Stories
National Foster Care Month
  • Home
  • services
    • Foster Care
    • Adoption
    • Clinical
    • Mentor Program
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Become a Foster Parent
    • Volunteer
    • Join Our Team
  • About Us
    • Who we are
    • Administrative Team
    • Partnerships
    • License, Accreditation & Memberships
    • Annual Reports
  • News/Events
    • National Foster Care Month
    • Success Stories
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