Foster children need temporary homes.
Foster care places children with families for a temporary period until they are adopted, return home or are able to support themselves. In Illinois, the Department of Children and Family Services sets the requirements foster parents must abide by.
Qualifications to become a Foster Parent
Single parents or men and women who are married can become foster parents in Illinois if they are at least 21, and are law-biding and responsible. How many children and the age of the children for foster parents depends on the parents' ability to care for the child, the needs of any children under 18 living in the household, the parents' ability to supervise children and the availability of the foster parents. All people in the household over 13 must pass background checks and parents must accept a child care agency's supervision.
General Requirements for the Home
Requirements for the home include cleanliness, proper heat and light, and the absence of any hazards. Foster homes need to be properly outfitted with fire alarms and escape plans. The water supply for the foster home must comply with state health regulations and family pools, hot tubs or ponds also have to follow state regulations. Foster parents be certified in CPR and are not allowed to smoke within the home. Toxic household cleaners or supplies must be kept out of the reach of foster children under 12. Firearms also should be kept locked up at all times and out of the reach of children. And foster parents need to have a space for a foster child's clothing, along with respecting the child's privacy while dressing or bathing.
Meals for Foster Children
Foster parents need to provide foster children three meals a day that meet the dietary allowances for children. If a foster child needs a special diet, foster parents must supply children with the diet. If the child has allergies, or a religious or cultural background that restricts certain foods, parents must be mindful of this. Meals for foster children cannot be less than those of other children in the house. The meals also must be served in relation to state health codes. Foster parents cannot force feed children.
Health of Children and Parents
Foster parents must be free of contagious diseases and mental or physical conditions that limit the ability to care for the child. If mental or emotional health of a foster parent is questioned, they are subject to clinical evaluations. Medical re-examinations are required once every four years or whenever a new license is issued. Foster children also need adequate medical care. All immunizations and tests needed by state health code must be given. Foster parents must keep the Department of Children and Family Services informed of any serious changes in the foster child's mental or physical health.
Guidelines for Disciplining Foster Children
Discipline of foster children should always be the same discipline parents give their birth children. Discipline should be appropriate for the age of the child and should not be handled weeks after a child's bad behavior. The foster parent should handle disciplining and should not hand the responsibility to a child's peers or strangers. Children cannot be deprived of a meal as a punishment, or be subject to verbal abuse or harassment about the child or the child's family. Children must be allowed visits from birth family. Children also cannot be deprived of sleep or clothing, or be held in a room for a period of time longer than what is necessary. No more than 50 percent of a foster child's spending money can be withheld from him. Extra chores can be added and privileges may be temporarily removed for punishment.
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