How to Become a Foster Parent in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Family Services is facing a difficult challenge. A shortage of placements in the state means many children have no family to care for them.
When foster homes are full, the DFS depends on new foster parents to step in. Are you wondering how to become a foster parent in Wyoming? Keep reading this guide to learn more about getting your license and raising foster children in your area.
Quotes about foster care
How to Become a Foster Parent in Wyoming
Close to 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system, and the numbers are on the rise. Yet, the path to becoming a foster parent in Wyoming can often seem unclear. FosterUSKids.org is your source for information and guidance, connecting you with a local Wyoming agency to simplify the process of becoming a foster parent.
HOW TO FOSTER: A SIX-STEP GLANCE
There are six steps to complete before you can bring a child into your home as a licensed foster parent in Wyoming:
- Request Information About Fostering –
FosterUSKids puts the Wyoming foster care and adoption agencies at your fingertips. - Attend an Orientation Meeting for Foster Parenting –
Learn more about the foster parent journey: how to become a foster parent, the characteristics of kids in foster care, and state foster care rules and regulations.
- Submit a Foster Parent Application –
Your agency’s social workers will help you with the required documentation, background checks, personal references, and state-specific criteria.
- Attend Pre-Service Training –
Around 30 hours of formal parent training cover essential topics from what to expect to trauma-informed foster care.
- Complete an Assessment and Home Study –
This vital process includes a home visit and interviews with social workers to ensure you are a good fit and ready to be matched with a foster child.
- Receive Your Foster License –
The typical 3 to 6-month process results in getting your foster family license and then welcoming a foster child into your home!
Parenting is a rewarding journey marked by commitment and growth. For foster children in Wyoming, the search is not for a perfect parent but someone they can count on for love, care, and a stable home – a foundation that will make a life-altering difference.
We at FosterUSKids are grateful you are on the path to learning more. For detailed guidance through every step, contact a Wyoming child-placing agency now.
Requirements to Foster in Wyoming
The Wyoming DFS or private licensed agencies offer foster parents various forms of support. Foster parents receive a stipend for room and board, clothing, and other care needs. Children with greater needs will receive a slightly higher payment.
The money provided to foster parents helps cover costs related to care. It's not intended to become a supplement for the parent, which is why applicants must be financially stable before housing foster kids.
Wyoming 211 provides support, referrals, and information that foster families may find useful. This state hotline can help parents find more information about government and non-profit resources in their area.
The Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange allows foster parents to connect. Reaching out to other foster families is an excellent way to learn more about the system and gain valuable advice. After all, continual education is one of a foster parent's responsibilities.
Foster FAQs for Wyoming
If you've never considered fostering before today, you likely have many questions about the process. Here are a few questions we frequently hear and answers to each.
What Is the Greatest Need in Foster Care?
Right now, there's a significant shortage of foster parents willing to house older children, teenagers, and those with special health or behavioral needs. Additionally, there's always a high demand for foster families willing to accept sibling groups to help keep brothers and sisters together.
What Does a Foster Parent Do?
Foster parents play an essential role by providing temporary housing for the children and teens in the foster care system. They work as part of a team that includes the social worker, birth parents, etc.
Your job is to work with the birth parents and assist with reunification when that's the case plan goal. You must provide a safe and loving environment for the children in your care, support them, and ensure their well-being.
Other responsibilities include taking them to school and appointments, encouraging participation in school activities or sports, and providing them with food, clothing, and housing. You might also consider teaching them valuable life skills.
Can Foster Parents Adopt Children?
Most case plans end in the reunification of the child/children and the parents. That's why most foster situations are temporary. However, there are some instances when reunification isn't possible.
If the parents can't resolve the issues, they may have their parental rights terminated. When this occurs, some children may be adopted by their foster parents.
What Is Respite Care?
You may have heard of respite care in your foster parent training. This type of short-term care is when one foster family temporarily watches over the child of another resource family.
The benefit of respite care is that it can provide some relief or give parents a chance to address a problem or emergency.
Do I Pay for the Child's Health Coverage?
Foster children have Medicaid coverage. Their plan covers health and psychological services such as therapy, doctor's appointments, dental exams, etc. You don't have to pay for necessary care or medical devices.
Is Raising Foster Children Right for You?
Fostering and adoption can be challenging paths, but the rewards are worth it. You're helping children in need and guiding them towards a better future. If you're still wondering how to become a foster parent in Wyoming, don't be afraid to contact your local foster care agency and ask for more information.
If you're ready to start your fostering journey, all you need to do is contact us. Please click the link below.
Foster agencies in Wyoming
General Foster FAQs
General Statistics About Foster Care
836
Children in Wyoming foster care in 2021
156
Children in Wyoming are awaiting to be adopted
8
The average month a child spends in Foster care in Wyoming
6
Is the average age for a child in Wyoming Foster care in 2021
Raising awareness is another one of a foster parent's duties. Many people are unaware of the bad housing situation for foster youth.
Here's the latest information from the Wyoming AFCARS report:
- There are 836 children and teens in foster care
- 828 foster children entered care during 2021
- As of September 30th, 2021, there were 156 foster kids awaiting adoption
- The median age of children in foster care is eight years old
- 38% of foster youth live in a licensed foster home
- 67% of case plan goals are reunification
- 19% of cases aim for adoption
- Kids spend a median time of 7.8 months in care
- 32% of children spend 1-5 months in care
- The median age of children awaiting adoption is six years old
Support Services for Foster Parents in Wyoming
You must get a license to foster or adopt in Wyoming. Interested applicants can start the licensure process by contacting their local Department of Family Services or a private placement agency.
Wyoming's foster parent requirements include the following:
- Parents are 21 years old or older
- You live in a safe and comfortable environment
- You're financially stable and can care for a child
- There is space for the foster child/children in the home
- All adults must pass a background check
- Attend the orientation and finish foster parent training
- Your residence passes all safety inspections
- Provide a minimum of three character references
- Your family completes the home study
Foster parents can either own a home or rent if there is enough room for a child. Foster children need their own beds and space for personal belongings.
After speaking to a foster advocate, you'll receive an invitation to attend an orientation. You'll learn more about the fostering process at the meeting, and it's an excellent opportunity to ask questions.
Applicants must finish their foster parent training and attend continual training to keep their licenses.
NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN Wyoming
Every day in Wyoming, children from all age groups enter foster care, some with no belongings of their own, all without an adult they can depend on. Every Wyoming kid needs a soft place to land and a place to call home. Whether you can offer temporary care or become a forever family, your interest could mean a brighter, more secure future for a child in Wyoming.
Still undecided? An Wyoming child-placing agency is here to guide you, providing answers about stipends, coaching, therapy resources, and foster parent training.
Take the next step: Begin your parenting journey by fostering an Wyoming child today.
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