A safe, loving home is what every child needs. But sometimes families have troubles so severe that their children must be temporarily removed to a foster home. Foster care provides children the safe haven they need to heal and grow. Just as important, while children are in foster care, their parents have the opportunity to focus on developing the skills and relationships they need to become effective parents. Once problems are resolved, parents and children can be reunited.

Who are the children?

Children needing foster care range in age from infancy to 18 years old. A child may be alone or have brothers and sisters who need a home together. Many children have been neglected, abused, abandoned, or have special medical needs. As a result, they may struggle with emotional or behavioral issues. Foster parents always have the final decision on whether or not a child is right for their family.

What do foster parents offer?

In addition to essential safety and comfort, foster parents offer children hope and healing. Even though a foster home is only temporary, the bond between foster parents and children is often very long-lasting. Foster parents provide children with positive role models they carry with them all their lives — a priceless gift that foster children may some day pass to their own sons and daughters. Foster parents have the opportunity to reshape our world in hopes of building a better future. Foster parents are a lot like you. An understanding, caring attitude, a sense of humor, and a dedication to children.

You have what it takes to be a foster parent if you have these attributes and are:

• At least 21 years old
• Financially able to provide for your family's present needs
• Single, married, divorced, or widowed
• Physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of caring for a child
• A family with or without children
• A renter or homeowner
• Willing to take state-required training to receive and maintain your foster parent license

Bellefaire is here to help.

Foster parents need patience, dedication, and commitment. But they never need to feel alone. Bellefaire provides foster parents with ongoing education, training, and counsel. Our professionals are on call 24 hours a day to help with unexpected needs.

• Bellefaire JCB develops a case plan for each child and offers services the child needs outside the home.
• Each child is assigned to a Bellefaire JCB case manager who provides foster parents with guidance, support, supervision, and technical assistance.
• All foster parents attend education classes before being licensed and receive additional training each year and as needed.
• Foster parents meet regularly with their Bellefaire JCB case manager and can call Bellefaire for support 24/7.
• Foster parents are financially compensated for providing care.

To learn more, call Foster Care at Bellefaire JCB. Cleveland area: 216-320-8518 Toll free: 800-205-8534 Or email infoFC@bellefairejcb.org