All about Arizona Foster Parenting
“Here is the Arizona foster parenting program and how it works”
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Foster parenting in Arizona may seem like a complex and confusing process, but it’s actually very straightforward. As it is with every other state in the U.S., Arizona has some qualifications that foster parent hopefuls must meet, as well as rules and regulations that must be adhered to during the time they are foster parents.
As long as the standards are followed and you remain qualified during your time fostering, the rules of Arizona foster parenting are surprisingly easy to follow, and the experience can be incredibly rewarding.
The basic requirements to become a licensed foster parent in the Arizona foster parenting program state that the foster parents must be: at least 21 years old; financially stable; emotionally qualified for parenting; in good physical health; have no criminal background; be flexible and able to take foster children in on an emergency basis, if necessary; and be prepared to assist in helping to reunite the foster child with their biological family, if it becomes possible. In Arizona, foster parents may be either married or single, and straight and gay couples are both welcome to apply.
As with most states, the Arizona foster parenting program requires a certain amount of training. In Arizona, foster families must go through a minimum of 30 hours of training. They must also submit to finger printing and a home study, where a case worker enters your home and takes a tour. Arizona’s Children Association estimates the process can take from 4-6 months to complete.
Approximately 2% of children in the Arizona foster parenting program are under the age of 1; 27% are between the ages of 1 and 5; 27% are between the ages of 6 and 12; and 34% are over the age of 12 years old. Arizona states that the majority of foster children who come into the foster care program enter with at least one sibling.
This is important to note, as foster care programs strongly encourage the acceptance of siblings as a whole unit, whenever possible, in the foster parenting program. If you are considering becoming a foster parent in Arizona, be prepared to take on more than one child at a time for the sake of keeping brothers and sisters together - the children in the greatest need of foster homes are those who are in siblings groups of two or more, and school-aged children.
The Arizona foster parenting program generally places a foster child with a foster family or parent after the licensing has been completed, which usually takes up to six months.
Foster children can stay with their foster families for different lengths of time, from a few weeks to a few years. The average time of placement for a foster child is between one and two years.
Foster parents can specify the age of the foster children they would like to accept for fostering. Many foster parents specify that they would like to take in infants, but remember that in the Arizona foster family program, foster children usually stay with their families for one to two years on average, so your foster child won’t stay a baby forever!
Foster families and parents in the Arizona foster parenting program receive compensation for taking foster children into their home. The state of Arizona reimburses foster parents to cover the cost of room and board, clothing, and other supplies for the child or children they take in. The reimbursement rates are based on many different factors, including the age of the child and the amount of care required. Medical and dental expenses, as well as prescription drug and therapy costs, are all covered by the state of Arizona.
The Arizona foster family program also offers its foster parents and families a wide range of support programs, including ongoing foster parenting training, support groups, reduced cost or free childcare for working foster parents - though a stay at home parent is sometimes required for fostering licensure - and programs that relieve the foster parents of their duties for short periods of time for stress relief.
Many foster families and parents in foster parenting programs may find themselves wanting to adopt their foster child or children, especially if the child or children has been with them since infancy, or for an extended period of time. Once the child or children are legally free of custody from their biological parents or legal custodians, the foster family or parent is usually given the first option to legally adopt the foster child or children permanent.
Foster parenting can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and it can save the lives of otherwise abused or abandoned children who need the love and attention they deserve.
If you feel you have what it takes to join the Arizona foster parenting program, please contact the state of Arizona’s Children Association as soon as possible to get started with licensure to become a foster parent.
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