Going into foster care can be life-saving for a child in a dire situation, but federal law requires that a child remain in his or her original school district unless it can be determined that it is in the “best interests” of the child to change school districts.
This may mean long commute times to and from school for the child and/or foster parent. Sometimes, it is determined that changing schools is in the best interests of the child, even though this can be stresful for the child.
Definitions:
Primary Prevention:
Preventing child abuse or neglect before it happens
Secondary Prevention:
Preventing an existing case of child abuse or neglect from happening again
In Depth:
How Do I Become a Foster Parent?
For many people, becoming a foster parent is a life-changing experience that brings many rewards and lifelong relationships. The best way to learn about becoming a foster parent is to attend an information session near you. To attend an information session, register online at monroefostercare.org.
If interested, you may take an application at the meeting – complete it, with references, and return it to the County. Monroe County then completes a local child abuse clearance and if cleared, you will be contacted by phone from a caseworker to schedule a visit to your home.
If you all agree that foster parenting may be for you, you will be enrolled in a 10-session training class called MAPP (Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting). Half-way through the class, a second home visit will be scheduled with your caseworker. You then continue and complete the training class at which time a final home visit will be made out to your home. After a mutual assessment of readiness, then your caseworker completes your home study and you’re certified to welcome children into your home.
This process can take a few months, but all it takes it a couple of clicks to register for an info session and learn more about it.
Learn More About Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Read more about calling in a Child Abuse and Neglect report to the New York State Child Abuse Hotline at dorightbykids.org/how-do-i-call-in-a-report/