Hephzibah Children's Association
Hephzibah is Oak Park’s oldest social service agency. Our mission is to help children thrive and families flourish through innovative, community-based programs.
For over 125 years, Hephzibah has been providing life-changing programs and services to children and families in need. Every child, and every family we serve is unique with different needs. We work hard to tailor our services and treatment for each individual, so that they may heal, transform and grow in our care.
Our transformative work includes a residential treatment program for neglected and abused children, comprehensive services for children and families in crisis, foster care and foster parent licensing, positive parenting programs and nurturing after school care and summer camp for working families.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
You must meet minimum requirements to provide foster care for children in Illinois. To become a foster parent, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Attend foster parent orientation
- Pass a background check
- Finish 30 hours of foster parent training
- Complete the Home Study
- Provide at least three references
- Clear a physical exam
- Maintain financial stability
Foster families must be able to provide a safe and comfortable home for a child. You must provide room for the child to have a bed and enough space for personal belongings.
Foster parents do not need to be married or have a partner. However, if married, couples must show a stable marriage of at least one year before they can foster a child in Illinois.
Foster parents need to meet a child's basic care needs, such as providing meals and clothing. Foster families must also support a foster child's education and assist them in developing social skills.
Contact the DCFS or a local licensed child-placing agency to learn more or begin the fostering approval process.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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Aug 28, 2022
I was enrolled here as a kid back in the seventies.