Dear Foster Parents,

First of all, Children Have Options In Caring Environments, Inc. would like to thank you for being foster parents. We understand that becoming a foster parent was, most likely, not an easy decision to make and that you are opening up your homes and lives to children who desperately need care, assistance and support. Again, thank you and welcome to CHOICES!

Secondly, we have designed a user-friendly website for your use. On the site, you will find links to such things like forms, training information, events, the CHOICES, Inc. newsletter and much more.

Since your foster care license is valid for two years at a time; foster parents receive a new foster care license every two years. Depending on your living situation, additional information may be required.

Also, don't forget that each year foster parents need to update their foster care certification. This includes:

Foster parent evaluation
Social worker evaluation
Safety audit
Verification of training hours
Recertification update assessment
Social worker's report on the foster home and evaluation of all the children that have been placed in the home over the past year

And, if applicable, the certification would also include:

Reapplication form (1331)
Fire inspection if the foster family moved
Proof of car insurance for the entire year
Copy of pet records
Copy of well water test results

When working with the children, as many of you know, emergencies do happen. In the event of an emergency, please contact your CHOICES worker either in the office, at home or by pager. If you are unable to contact your worker, feel free to contact (in the following order) the Foster Care Manager, Foster Care Program Coordinator and/or the Executive Director in the office, at home or by pager. Examples of an emergency are emergency medical care, running away, illegal activity, and life or death situations.

Thank you for sharing your homes and lives with children in need. We at CHOICES hope that foster care proves to be satisfying and fulfilling for you and your families. Please feel free to call our agency to speak with us directly at (937) 264-0084 or to e-mail us at choicesfp@erinet.com

Sincerely,

CHOICES, Inc. Foster Care Department