The Need / Facts and Info

The CRISIS in Foster Care - Many Children Waiting...

Why does the state of Connecticut need foster homes?      

At any given time, thousands of children in Connecticut need a secure foster home in which to live. This, while their parents or guardians work with the state, the courts and area agencies to re-create stable and safe homes for the children to return. In 2010, more than 4,000 children are already in the foster care system in CT.  The children who are most in need of being placed temporarily in foster care due to parental abuse or neglect are between the ages 6-17 years of age.

How do the numbers break down by age?

-- 36% are 0 to 5 years old
-- 24% are 6 to 11 years old  
-- 34% are 12 to 17 years old, and,
-- 6% are greater than 17 years old

What is the foster care situation in the United States today?

Currently, nearly half a million children in the United States are in foster care because their own families are in crisis and unable to provide for their essential well-being.  Reports of abuse and neglect have already increased in some areas of the country due to difficult economic times. These incidents rise when the overall economy worsens.  In addition, there are an estimated 12 million alumni of foster care in the U.S., representing all walks of life.

CHILDREN NEED CARING ADULTS:  No matter their age, all youth in foster care need a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in their lives.  Without families or stable relationships, too many of these formerly neglected and/or abused children and teens end up facing life’s challenges alone.

THE FACES OF FOSTER CARE:  Child welfare issues rise in families of every race, ethnicity, culture, and age group.  Even though research shows that there is no difference in the incidence of abuse and neglect according to racial group, children of color comprise a disproportionate percent of youth in foster care.

THE CONSEQUENCES:  Research shows that young people who age out of foster care are far more likely than their peers in the general population to endure homelessness, poverty, compromised health, unemployment, incarceration and other adversities.

THE PRIORITY:  Older youth are in most urgent need of attention.  Nearly half of the young people in foster care are over the age of 10.  Each year, 26,000 young people in the U.S. age out of foster care, and most do so without the appropriate resources, family connections, skills or options that they will need to get ahead and live healthy adult lives. 

THE FUTURE:  If nothing changes in the U.S. between now and the year 2020:
** Nearly 11 million children confirmed cases of abuse and neglect will be reported;
** 18,000 children will die of abuse or neglect;
** 7.2 million children will experience the foster care system;
** 240,000 youth will age out of foster care with inadequate support, resources, family connections, skills or options to compete in the workforce and build successful lives.

THE SOLUTION:  Children and youth in foster care are capable of overcoming the repercussions of previous neglect/abuse.  Those aging out of the system can become successful, productive adults when provided with the educational opportunities, career training and emotional support.  With supports, most families can address the challenges which caused their children to be placed in foster care so that they can be safely reunited with parents or relatives.

To get involved, you might consider:
    •      Serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers and volunteers
    •      Sponsor scholarships enabling youth to go to college and trade school
    •      Encourage friends, employees, family, to volunteer their time as mentors, professional coaches, and
              role models for foster youth or young families with children in foster care.
    •      Donate gift cards, school supplies, household gifts and other items to brighten a young person’s life in foster care.

Is there an age requirement for foster or adoptive parents?
  
The age requirement for Therapeutic Foster Care parents is 25- to 65-years old.  For state Department of Children & Families (DCF) foster homes, you must be at least 21-years-old. For adoptive parents, it is difficult to generalize about upper age limits since agencies have differing policies.  In general, exceptions are made on age limits if the adoption is determined to be in the best interest of the child.

Is there an income requirement for adoptive families? 

You must have a stable source of verifiable income, sufficient to meet the needs of your family.  You cannot rely on the foster care reimbursement as a source of qualifying income.

What is meant by "special needs adoption"?

A Special Needs Child is defined in the state statutes (CONN. GEN. STAT. §17a-116) as a child who is difficult to place in adoption because of one or more conditions including, but not limited to:
•      Physical or mental disability
•      Serious emotional maladjustment
•      A recognized high risk of physical or mental disability
•      Age, racial or ethnic factors which present a barrier to adoption
•      Is a member of a sibling group, which should be placed together
•      The child and the prospective adoptive parents have established significant emotional ties
           while the child was in care as the family's foster child

Available Support Services
1.      Each child has a Care Manager trained to provide high levels of support to children and families. 
2.      Monthly financial foster care reimbursement. Reimbursements are arranged via Boys & Girls Village.
3.      Medical card for all foster children. Financial and/or medical adoption subsidy for all children who qualify.
4.      Pre-Licensing and Post-Licensing training programs. Boys & Girls Village is a service provider in this area.
5.      24/7 on-call support person available to families. 

Does the state pay foster parents?

Foster parents receive a Foster Care Reimbursement per diem stipend for the care of foster children.  The payment reimbursement structure is based on the USDA expenditures for care of a child in the Northeast, including costs for food, clothing, shelter, childcare, education and transportation. Call Boys & Girls Village at (888) 922-5528 for the most recent reimbursement rates.

Children are also eligible for subsidized health and dental insurance through the Connecticut HUSKY (Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth) Managed Care Program.  Your pediatrician or dentist can see children, providing they accept the Connecticut HUSKY plan.

How much does it cost to adopt?

There are no fees involved in adopting through the State of Connecticut and its licensed agencies like Boys & Girls Village. 

Are there subsidies available for adoptive families?

Yes, any family adopting a special needs child in Connecticut may be eligible to receive a medical and/or financial subsidy for their child. Children who have special needs include children with physical, intellectual or emotional disabilities, sibling groups, older children, children with complex medical needs and children of color of all ages.

Do the children's parents visit in the foster home?

Yes, it is preferred but only in cases where there are no safety concerns. The goal of foster care is to help the child accept his/her situation and to handle it in the best way possible.

At Boys & Girls Village, the Boys Town Social Skills Model curriculum and our Common Sense Parenting classes teach specific life and social skills, including proper behaviors under all circumstances.

Boys & Girls Village's Foster and Adoptive Services Team (FAST) also assists in the healthy preservation of foster and adoptive homes, thereby reducing the number of placements experienced by any one child.

All foster care cases have the goal of returning children to the natural parent¡¦s home as soon as possible. As a result, this means that the parents need to maintain a relationship with their children, and with the foster families.

Do I need to have an empty bedroom to take a foster child?

No. You only need to have an available twin bed in a child's bedroom with children of the same sex.  An available double bed can be used for one child or siblings of the same sex. Cribs can be placed in any bedroom.  Children under 5 years of age must sleep on the same floor as foster parents. Every effort is made to accommodate the child's needs with that of the foster home.

Is there an age requirement for foster or adoptive parents?  

The age requirement for Therapeutic Foster Care parents is 25- to 65-years old.  For state Department of Children & Families (DCF) foster homes, you must be at least 21-years-old. For adoptive parents, It is difficult to generalize about upper age limits since agencies have differing policies.  In general, exceptions are made on age limits if the adoption is determined to be in the best interest of the child.

Can single parents or same-sex couples adopt?

Yes, adoption by single parents as well as same sex couples is permissible in Connecticut.

How long does it take to adopt a waiting child?           

The timeframe varies given the criteria you prefer and the needs and availability of waiting children.  After placement, the average length of time from placement to finalization is a year.  The state DCF is making a concerted effort to shorten the timeframe.

Can I adopt if I already have a child or children?

Yes. Families who have parenting experience are a great resource for waiting children.  Some families adopt children while their biological children are still in the home. Many families who have grown children may experience the "empty nest" feeling and will become adoptive parents, most often adopting an older child or sibling group. The state's requirements allow up to six children under the age of 18 years in a home.  This includes your own children, adopted children and day care children.

Is there an income requirement for adoptive families? 

You must have a stable source of verifiable income, sufficient to meet the needs of your family.  You cannot rely on the foster care reimbursement as a source of qualifying income.

Must an adoptive parent be a homeowner?

No. You can own or rent your home or apartment or live in public housing.  Any living situation must be a safe and suitable environment for the child.  Families seeking to parent a child who is physically challenged must have appropriate home accommodations suitable to meet the child's needs. All families must meet regulatory standards related to their living unit.

Are there certain health requirements for adoptive parents?

Agencies will require a physical examination report from a doctor for the primary caretakers and all members of the household.  This does not mean that you must be in perfect physical condition.  Foster and Adoptive families must be physically and mentally capable of providing care to a child and free from communicable disease.

Does a recent marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a child or other major change in the family affect the application process?

Yes, any major life change will be assessed on an individual basis, but generally a two-year wait is encouraged.    

What is a "legal risk adoptive placement"?

Legal Risk Adoption placements allow children whose parental rights have not been terminated to be placed into a pre-adoptive home.  Although it may be the permanency plan to have this child adopted, the child is not free for adoption until the court rules in favor of the termination of parental rights.

The state offers support to the pre-adoptive family during this time but cannot guarantee the outcome of the court proceedings. The Department of Children & Families (DCF) makes every effort to place children into a permanent home once adoption is the goal, even if there are pending court proceedings.  "We believe that we should help lessen trauma and reduce moves for the child" DCF officials said.

Sometimes a biological parent may still have visitation rights to the child.  The pre-adoptive family would need to work with the court orders and the Department in meeting legal obligations.  The largest challenge of legal risk placements is the uncertainty for the pre-adoptive family.

Available Support Services

• Each child has a social worker assigned to for case management. Boys & Girls Village is a service provider in this area.
  
• Monthly financial foster care reimbursement. Reimbursements can be arranged via Boys & Girls Village.
  
• Medical card for all foster children. See HUSKY program information, above.
  
• Financial and/or medical adoption subsidy for all children who qualify.
  
• Pre-Licensing and Post-Licensing training programs. Boys & Girls Village is a service provider in this area.
  
• The Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents, Inc (CAFAP) provides "Buddies" to all newly licensed families.

How Do I Find Out More?

Contact Boys & Girls Village
Tiffany Shaw
Assistant Director of Family Services
Toll Free: 888.922.5528
Email: shawt@bgvillage.org