Guiding Harbor
Foster care is a temporary living situation for children whose parents cannot take care of them and whose need for care has come to the attention of child welfare agency staff. While in foster care, children may live with relatives, with foster families or in group facilities.
How long children stay in foster care depends on their family situation and what options are available in their communities. For some children, their stay in foster care is brief; for others foster care lasts one to three years or, in some cases, longer. A key goal of foster care programs is to ensure that children live in stable, lifelong families, since secure attachment to at least one parenting adult is a crucial child developmental building block.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
Parents can access the Michigan Foster Care Portal (MFCP), which is a tool that helps expedite licensure. The portal can track progress and list the next steps a foster parent needs to take. The MFCP also contains FAQs and helpful guides for parents.
In addition to online tools, foster families also receive some financial support. How much they receive depends on the child's age and needs. Parents may also be entitled to additional reimbursement that covers care costs.
Plus, foster families can access many local and state-wide support organizations and advocacy groups. These groups provide resources, answer questions, and are happy to help form connections between foster parents.
Your foster care agency is always there if you have questions or concerns. Their goal is to ensure the child's well-being and assist parents through the fostering process and beyond.
Another path you might want to consider is co-parenting with the birth parents. The end goal in most foster cases is to reunite a child with their parents or primary caregiver. You'll work with the birth parents anyway to set up visitations, and co-parenting can make your job easier.
Working further with the birth parents can also make the entire fostering process less stressful for a child. They won't feel as if they have to "choose" between homes and families.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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May 24, 2021
I have been a donor to this organization for several years because I continue to be impressed by the work they have done with children.
My family is now engaged in the licensing process to become foster and adoptive parents. The staff are so professional and warm. You can hear the compassion and drive to serve in every conversation. They are focused on making the experience positive for every child, foster parent and birth parent. I am honored to be able to be a part of the organization.
May 22, 2021
Having supported this organization in a volunteer capacity, I have to say I'm so impressed with the leadership. programming and services they provide to the community. The staff is passionate about helping children live in a safe environment, ensuring they receive needed treatments, they offer great support services to foster families and work tirelessly in the best interest of the youth in their programs.
With a lean administrative staff, they're very intentional with the use of donor dollars and resources. I'm proud to support Guiding Harbor's initiatives and hope to see others experience the staff's dedication to so many children in great need throughout our community.
Mar 16, 2018
Worst agency ever dont put children first will never work with them again
Feb 05, 2018
Do business with this non profit at your own risk.