Being the Change, It's Time uses a unique approach in attracting local families who may be interested in foster parenting. Bellefaire is encouraging community involvement by developing a network of neighborhood-based, culturally-sensitive families in the communities where children live. Currently, there are families from Cleveland Heights, University Heights and Shaker Heights who have agreed to participate.
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.
Additionally, Bellefaire actively recruits foster parents from the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community.
All foster parents attend education classes before being licensed and receive additional training each year and as needed. Foster parents are financially compensated for providing care.
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 develops a case plan for each child and offers services the child needs outside the home.
Bellefaire offers 24-hour support
Each family is assigned a case manager who is available for daily consultation and 24-hour crisis assistance. He or she coordinates all necessary resources and maintains the foster child's continuity of care and access to required services, including:
- Ongoing assessment and treatment planning;
- Medication assessment and psychiatric consultation;
- Issue-specific group work;
- Intensive supervision;
- 24-hour crisis intervention;
- Medical and dental care;
- Respite care.
Teamwork means you're never alone
Foster parents are members of a carefully coordinated team that includes a Bellefaire JCB case manager and, if necessary, a child psychiatrist, school personnel, and other professionals. Team members work to improve the child's anger management, socialization, and educational skills.