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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a foster parent?
Foster parents love, celebrate, mentor, coach, comfort, support and encourage the children in their home. Foster parents work as a team with the child’s caseworker and biological parents to ensure the wellbeing of the child in their care. The goal of foster care is to reunite the child with their biological family, so foster care is meant to be temporary
How can I get licensed as a foster parent?
The first step is to connect with us. We’ll get to know you, help answer any questions you may have, and make sure WP is right for you. Then you’ll complete the home study process, which includes:
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Taking classes and background checks
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Welcoming members of the child's permanency team into your home.
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Determining how many children you’ll be able to care for
Once you’re licensed, you’ll be able to accept youth into your home.
Contact us at fostering@wayneprovision.com or (931)-722-6366
How long does it take to become licensed?
The process depends on the foster parents’ ability to complete the requirements, so an optimal time is about 3 months, but varies mostly between 3 and 6 months.
What is required to become a foster parent?
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Must be at least 21 years of age
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Must live in Tennessee for at least 3 months
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Pass a criminal history and background check with fingerprinting
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Demonstrate financial stability.
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Must have home stability that meets physical safety standards – adequate space and reliable transportation
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Complete TN KEY training and complete first aid and CPR trainings.
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Complete the home study process.
These are the requirements set by the state of Tennessee...
Who are the kids who need foster parents?
WP helps all kinds of children, teens and families, from all over Tennessee. We help teens from many different backgrounds and cultures work to be successful in adult hood. Like anyone, children and teens in foster care are unique. Each have their own special personality, abilities, interests, and potential. So, we need safe foster homes who can support the youth in their care.
How long do kids stay in foster care?
The amount of time children and teens are in foster care can vary. Placements can last a few weeks, a few months, or several years. How long one stays in a foster home is usually decided by their biological parent’s ability to engage with services designed to keep their children safe. During this time, a supportive home can make a big difference! We also provide further support to them even after they leave the foster home!
What support is available for foster parents?
Foster parents can receive a variety of different supports. Agencies can help foster parents by:
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Training
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Regular contact with agency staff
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Connection to community resources
Are foster parents paid?
Foster parents receive a monthly stipend for each child’s needs. The amount varies depending on each child’s level of need. Their medical and dental expenses are covered by TN Care.
What’s the difference between the Department of Children’s Services and Wayne Provision?
The Department of Children’s Services is a state agency that manages foster care and the custody of all children in foster care. Private agencies are licensed businesses that contract with DCS to help place children into foster homes. Both DCS and WP can help you determine the right foster care path for you and provide support along the way.
Are foster families needed?
Yes, foster parents are absolutely needed. There’s a growing shortage of foster homes in many areas, while the number of children entering the system continues to rise. Kids of all ages, especially teens, sibling groups, and those with special needs, often end up waiting in shelters or group homes simply because there aren’t enough families to take them in.
How are children matched with foster parents?
Licensed child placement agencies and The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services identify the best placement option for each child. Tennessee’s goal is that children should be placed in a family-like setting whenever possible to meet each child’s individual needs while attempting to keep them as close as possible to their community.
How do you become a foster parent?
In Tennessee, foster parents must be licensed by the State of Tennessee’s Department of Child Services or a licensed child placing agency.
To become a licensed foster parent, certain requirements must be met, including:
• Attending 20 hours of pre-service training.
• Demonstrating financial stability.
• Passing an environmental inspection and safety standards.
• Providing medical statements for all household members.
• Demonstrating emotional stability.
• Completing a home study
There is a dedicated team at Wayne Provision who will guide you towards meaningful opportunities to help!
contact us at fostering@wayneprovision.com or (931) - 722 - 6366
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