HOW TO APPLY TO BE A FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE PARENT - Call the Inquiry Line at 1-877-210-KIDS (5437). The Inquiry Line representative will send you a packet of information and steps of process.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A FOSTER PARENT OR AN ADOPTIVE PARENT

THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Criminal Records Check
• Drug Screen
• Medical Examination
• Meet Home Safety Requirements
• References
• Completion Of 20-Hour Pre-Service Parent Preparation Program Including A Family Assessment
• Georgia's Driver's License And Social Security Card
• Home Evaluation

PRE-SERVICE TRAINING - Foster parents of DFCS and other agencies approved to serve DFCS children must have 20 hours of pre-service training/ preparation called IMPACT. This training will help you learn about the agency and the special needs of children in foster care. The program is used to prepare prospective foster/adoptive parents for their roles and help them decide whether they want to foster, adopt, or foster to adopt.

CLAYTON COUNTY DFCS RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT UNIT
INITIAL FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE PARENT TRAINING (IMPACT) SCHEDULES

In order to attend the IMPACT class, all attendees must have contacted 1-877-210-KIDS (5437) and attended an Orientation prior to being enrolled.

ORIENTATION DATES FOR IMPACT

Location: Clayton County DFCS, 877 Battlecreek Road, Jonesboro, GA 30236 - 770-603-4600
Social Services Building. Follow IMPACT Orientation signs.

OTHER TRAINING - Foster parents must have at least 10 hours of Continued parent Development (CPD) annually. If foster parents have a higher special needs child, more annual training may be required.

REIMBURSEMENT - FOSTER CARE

Foster parents are reimbursed at the end of each month at rates based on age of child(ren).

$14.18/day - Birth to age through age five (5)
$16.00/day - Ages 6-12
$18.25/day - Ages 13 and up

Note: The basic rate and other expenses reimbursed are not considered income and are not taxable according to the Internal revenue Service.

OTHER EXPENSES - The state is fully responsible for the cost of having a child in care. In addition to the reimbursement rate, the state also pays for medical care and the following expenses:

Clothing - An initial $150 (birth to 12); $300 13 on up.
Child-Related Services - Psychological, psychiatric and speech therapy
Other Expenses As Approved.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Adoption

The state or any private agency under contract with the state will not charge a fee to adopt a child. As part of the home study process, prospective parents and others living in the home must get a medical exam and must pay legal fees to complete the adoption. Families adopting older children, sibling groups or children with special needs will be reimbursed for most of these expenses. Some employers also offer benefits for adoptions.

NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN FOSTER HOMES - The number of children in foster care that can be allowed in the home depends on many factors: the level of needs of the child, the size of the home, and the number of adults and children already in the home. Generally up to six are allowed including the foster parent's.

TO INQUIRE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FOSTER CARE - Call 1-877-210-KIDS (5437), a DFCS sponsored, toll-free number, open from Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 p.m. for more information. You may also contact Clayton County DFCS at (770) 603-4600

TO INQUIRE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADOPTION - Call 1-877-210-KIDS (5437). Visit the state adoption Web site at www.adoptions.dhr.state.ga.us or contact Clayton County DFCS at (770) 603-4600.

(English) - We have a Spanish line for our Hispanic customers who may have questions regarding their benefits or any other concern. For assistance they can call 770-473-2324.

(Version en Español) - Tenemos una linea en espanol para nuestros clientes de habla hispana si tienen preguntas con respecto a sus casos o algun otro interes. Para assistencia pueden llamar al numero siete, siete, cero; cuatro siete tres; dos, tres, cuatro (770-473-2324).

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FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS,
PLEASE VISIT WWW.CSE.DHR.STATE.GA.US.

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