Becoming A Foster Parent with Azleway
Introduction
Becoming a foster parent with Azleway is a rewarding journey, providing children in Texas with a nurturing and supportive home. Azleway's foster care program focuses on meeting the needs of children who have faced abuse and neglect, ensuring they find stability and care. This guide will help you understand the steps to becoming a foster parent and Azleway's support throughout the process.
Defining Foster Care
Foster Care is a temporary arrangement in which a child who cannot live with their biological parents is placed under the care of a state-certified caregiver, known as a foster parent. This system provides a safe and supportive environment for children who may have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, ensuring their physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met until they can be reunited with their biological family, adopted, or achieve independent living.
Overview of Azleway’s Foster Care Program
Azleway Children’s Services operates across multiple locations in Texas, including Tyler, Houston, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, and Nacogdoches. Their mission is to partner with community members to support children in crisis through fostering and adoption. The foster care program is designed to address the urgent needs of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
Steps to Become a Foster Parent
To begin the process, prospective foster parents need to fill out the initial “Getting Started” inquiry form below. Next, a regional coordinator will contact you to verify your interest and discuss next steps. The process involves meeting certain requirements and completing necessary training and certifications.
Getting Started:
If you’re ready to become a foster parent with Azleway, please complete the following form. Your region’s Development Coordinator will contact you with your next steps.
Our staff are ready to help you make an informed decision for your family.
For more information about how to become a foster parent, don't hesitate to get in touch with the office nearest you.
Tyler - Call 903-566-8444
DFW Metroplex Area - Call 972-206-2885
Houston/Humble - Call 281-446-8038
Nacogdoches - Call 936-205-5641
Eligibility Requirements
Potential foster parents must meet several key criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Hold a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
- Pass a criminal background check, including FBI fingerprints
- Obtain CPR and First-Aid certification
- Have adequate space and income to support a child
- Complete pre-service training, including trauma-informed care
How Azleway Supports Foster Parents
Azleway offers comprehensive support throughout the foster care process. From initial inquiries to ongoing assistance, Azleway’s team ensures that foster parents are well-prepared and supported. This includes help with paperwork, home studies, and continuous guidance.
What's next?
After meeting with a Development Coordinator, prospective parents must complete the Application form and provide additional documentation, such as a floor plan of their home and driver’s licenses. The verification process typically takes 3-4 months, during which Azleway provides ongoing instructions and support.
After you have completed the Application along with a drawing, sketch, or other representation of your home's floor plan, and copies of driver's licenses of anyone living in your home please upload them HERE.
The Development Coordinator working with you will receive the documents and will reach out to you with more details about the process after review. Now you are on the way to becoming a foster parent!
It is very important to note that the verification process typically takes 3-4 months to complete. The Development Coordinator who is working with you will provide ongoing instructions and information to assist you through the process.
Thank you for your interest in Azleway Children's Services. We look forward to working with and getting to know you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic requirements to become a foster parent with Azleway?
Prospective foster parents must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and complete the necessary training.
How long does the verification process take?
The verification process usually takes 3-4 months to complete.
What kind of support does Azleway provide to foster parents?
Azleway offers extensive support, including help with paperwork, home studies, and continuous guidance throughout the foster care journey.
How can I get started with the application process?
Interested individuals can fill out the initial inquiry form on Azleway's website, after which a Development Coordinator will contact them to begin the verification process.
What training is required for foster parents?
Foster parents must complete pre-service training, including trauma-informed care, and obtain certification in CPR and First-Aid.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more details, contact the office nearest you or reach out to Keitha Douglas or Amy Brackley for recruitment-specific inquiries.
Conclusion
Azleway’s foster care program is dedicated to finding loving and stable homes for children in Texas who have experienced abuse and neglect. By becoming a foster parent with Azleway, you can transform a child's life, offering them the care and support they need.