Foster Care

Program

ABCS is a licensing agency contracted by the State of Arizona who works in partnership with foster parents to help them provide the best possible care to meet the varied and often challenging needs of the children in their homes. We recognize the extraordinary role foster parents play in the lives of needy children and applaud their tenacity and commitment.

We maintain open and supportive relationships with foster families. Our services include monthly home visits, regular telephone contact, ongoing training and foster parent recognition events, material support and prayer support.

Arms of Love Foster Care Program seeks families who are Christian, active in a local evangelical church and agree with the ABCS statement of Faith.

If you are at least 21 years of age, have space in your home for additional children and have a stable income, you meet the general guidelines. You can be married, single or divorced. You must meet basic safety requirements, and you need to complete some paperwork and training.

Requirements to become a licensed foster parent

in the State of Arizona

Any person in the home who is 18 years old and older must:

• Pass a background check and fingerprint clearance

• Be cleared by a doctor and immunization records must be submitted

• Submit a physicians report describing the individual's physical, emotional and mental fitness to care for children

• Pass a CPS Central Records Check

The home must pass a Department of Health Services inspection

Applicants must complete the licensing homework packet

Applicants must provide names and address for references

Applicants must have access to transportation

Applicants must have a telephone or similar means of communication

Applicants must show proof of economic stability (have adequate income to support you own family's needs prior to receiving the foster care reimbursement)

Applicants must have a residence that is a safe environment for children

Have adequate living space for a foster child including a separate bed and dresser space for each child

Applicants with a pool must attain CPR certification and have a pool fence that meets DHS regulations

Applicants must complete any other paperwork as needed

Applicants must show a current medical statement

Licensing Process

Foster care providers must be licensed and certified as foster parents by the State of Arizona.

Includes:

• 30 hours of pre-service training

• Home study which consists of at least two in-home visits

• Background check

• Home safety inspection

The process to become a foster parent usually takes 4-6 months.

Some characteristics of foster families

Stability

Maturity

Commitment

Dependability

Flexibility

Sense of Humor

Enjoys Children

Advocate for Children

Team player (willing to work with case managers, the child's family, as appropriate, and others who may provide services to the child)

You may not become a licensed foster parent if you have committed, are awaiting trial or have been convicted of any of the following offenses:

Sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult

Incest

First or second degree murder

Kidnapping

Arson

Sexual assault

Sexual exploitation of a minor or vulnerable adult

Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor or vulnerable adult

Felony offenses in the last 10 years involving narcotics

A dangerous crime against children (A.R.S. 13-604.01)

Child abuse or abuse of a vulnerable adult

Sexual conduct with a minor

Molestation of a child or vulnerable adult

Aggravated assault

PS-MAPP Training Class (30 hours)

You must be registered through ABCS to join the training. Please call 520-795-7541 if you are interested in signing up for the May 2008 class. Classes do typically fill up very quickly, so please do not delay registration.

Arms of Love Foster Care Licensing Workers

Foster Care Director, Pima County                                Andrea Stuart

Assistant Foster Care Director, Pima County                   Julee Aros-Thornton

Foster Care Specialist                                                  Karen Rohret

Foster Care Specialist                                                  Yvette Grajeda

Foster Care Specialist, Medically Fragile                       Kathi Orr

Administrative Assistant                                                Martha Escobar-Gil