Foster Home Recruitment, Training, Licensing & Retention

In order to assist in the creation of new foster homes in Lee and Charlotte Counties, Lutheran Services Florida is involved in the following activities:

1. Recruitment - In order to attract potential new foster homes, LSF Recruitment Specialists (there are four assigned to the LSF Recruitment/Licensing unit) regularly contact civic organizations, churches, large employers, and other groups in the Lee and Charlotte County areas in order to distribute information, give presentations and otherwise disseminate information on becoming a foster parent.  These employees also participate in public recruiting events such as holiday gift wrapping at the mall, foster parent picnics and other activities designed to bring attention to LSF's foster program.  In addition, there is media coverage on local television, and billboards asking people to consider getting involved in fostering a child.  Finally, existing foster parents and agency employees are asked regularly to consider who they might know that might be interested in becoming a foster parent.

2. Training – A second function performed by the LSF Recruitment Specialists is the scheduling and presentation of regular (typically monthly) Orientations, designed to answer the questions of those community people interested in learning more about becoming foster parents, and to enroll those who are interested in MAPP training classes.  These MAPP classes (Model Approach to Positive Parenting) are scheduled several times throughout the year at various locations in order to train potential foster parents.  The Recruitment Specialists are LSF MAPP trainers as well.

3. Licensing – During the MAPP training process, the LSF Recruitment Specialists begin to compile information needed to construct a Home Study of the potential foster home.  This home study includes background checks, at least three visits to the home, an extensive “family biography” and several other documents and home inspections.  When the home study has been completed, it is submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families for review, and for the licensing of the foster home.  The home study must be submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families no later than 60 days after the family’s completion of MAPP training.

4. Re-licensing – Each foster home license issued by the Florida Department of Children and Families is effective for a period of one year. At a point no later than 60 days prior to license expiration, LSF's Re-Licensing Specialist visits the foster home to begin the process of re-licensing.  This process includes updating of background checks, a re-inspection of the home, and the updating of any significant changes in the family.  This re-licensing packet must be submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families no later than 45 days prior to license expiration.

5. Retention – In order to ensure the on-going satisfaction of LSF's foster parents and to assist them in doing their part in providing for LSF's foster children, LSF’s Foster Parent Support Workers contact each foster home at least once each month, and visits each home at least twice each year. This support worker helps to meet such needs as providing supplies for the care of foster children, the recording and passing on of any foster parent concerns or complaints, sharing information with foster parents on the availability of required training in their community, and all other support activities as necessary.