Most agencies now require the completion of numerous training hours to become licensed foster parents to care for children. In Michigan, parents who want to foster children for the Department of Human Services are expected to complete nine PRIDE classes. Each class is about three hours long, which is quite an initial time commitment for two active parents. One of the sessions addresses the agencies expectations of foster parents in the reunification plan. While many foster parents pursue licensing with the hope of adopting a foster child, the agency makes... more

Foster Care Terms A - C

Foster Care Terms D - I

Judicial Review: When the progress of the parents and the child is reviewed by the court to decide the safest place for the child to live. Within 12 - 18 months of the child entering foster care there must be a Judicial Review.

Juvenile Court: Is a district court system that only handles matters that affect children under the age of 18.

Life Book: Kind of like a baby book that geared towards older... more

Foster Care Terms A - C

DHS - Department of Health Services or Department of Human Services foster care can fall under one of these agencies in different states.

Emancipation – When a foster teen is legally declared an adult by the court prior to turning 18 years old. The foster teen is then no longer a ward of the state.

Foster Home – A home that provides care of foster children while in the state’s care.

Group Home... more

Abuse – The types of abuse include physical, sexual and neglect. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act defines child abuse and neglect, at a minimum, as “any recent act or failure on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm” to a child.

Adjudicatory Hearing - To address allegations of child abuse or neglect in a petition presented to the court.

Aging Out – When a foster teen... more