Governor Jim Pillen and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) held a ceremony to proclaim May as Foster Care Month, expressing appreciation for foster parents across the state.
“To fulfill Nebraska’s responsibility to our children, we need to prevent the conditions that lead to kids entering foster care,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our top priority is keeping kids safe, which is supported in the collaborative prevention efforts across our great state. When children are unable to remain safe at home, foster care is sometimes needed.”
The ceremony, held May 1 at the Nebraska State Capitol, was held in conjunction with the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. Dr. Alyssa Bish, Director of the Children and Family Services (CFS) Division, also spoke during the event.
“Every child deserves to have an adult who will never give up on them and insists that they are capable of great things,” said Dr. Bish. “Nebraskans continue to show up when there is a child need, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
Nebraska has nearly 3,000 children currently in the foster care system. Foster parents provide care for children in need of a temporary home. Relative and kinship caregivers make up a majority of Nebraska’s foster parents and play a crucial role in keeping children connected to their family and culture.
Becoming a foster parent has several requirements, including:
- Background checks – Background checks are required for all members of the household who are 18 years old and older. A national criminal history check including fingerprinting will also be conducted.
- Home study – A home study is required and is conducted by either DHHS or a contracted foster care agency. Home studies vary in duration due to factors inside the home.
- References – Three positive reference checks are required for each adult household member who will provide care to children.
- Application – A completed foster care licensing application and a health information report are required for each adult household member providing care, signed by a health practitioner. These forms will be provided to you by DHHS or a contracted foster care agency.
- Training – Adult household members providing care are required to attend foster parent pre-service training. This training will be provided to you by DHHS.
For more information on how to become a foster parent or to receive other resources, please contact the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association at 1-800-7PARENT (1-800-772-7368) or visit https://nfapa.org/what_you_can_do/.