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Video Series

The why is different for everybody but we believe the Bible calls every believer onto the battlefield that is foster care. That doesn't mean everyone has to open their home to fostering but it should mean every home cares about fostering. Meet some of the families in the trenches and hear their "Why"

Video Gallery

New Foster Parent Mixers

Held routinely across Louisiana these mixers are an opportunity for new foster parents to learn about available resources - not only offered by Unite but other agencies as well. They are also a chance for those interested in learning more to do so in a fun, non committal atmosphere. Learn about upcoming mixers below.

Calendar

Regional Foster Parent

Recognition

Chosen by their peers, Unite recognizes foster parents and rewards them with a night out complete with cost of childcare. Cast your vote for the newest Super Parents below.

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FEATURED FAMILY: DREW & ERIN BURNHAM



Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about our mission and what you can expect when you visit us!

WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?

Foster care is a protective service for children and their parents who must live apart because of child abuse, neglect or special family circumstances requiring the need for out-of-home care. Foster care is intended to provide temporary/short-term care for a child. The goal of the foster care program is to maintain the child in a safe and nurturing environment, which is supportive of his development while assisting his parents in resuming responsibility and custody or until an alternative permanent placement for the child is found. The first goal of foster care is to reunite the child with his or her biological family.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A FOSTER/ADOPTIVE PARENT?

Anyone interested in being a Foster/Adoptive parent is welcome to call for more information and to attend an orientation session. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have sufficient income to meet their own basic needs, and be in good physical, emotional and mental health. A Foster/Adoptive parent can be single, married, divorced, or widowed.

Foster/Adoptive parent applicants must be committed to provide the child with positive forms of discipline and cannot use physical punishment of any kind.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO FOSTER CARE/ADOPTION CERTIFICATION?

  1. Orientation - Informational meeting to provide an overview of the agency and the foster/adoption programs.

  2. Application -The beginning of the certification process and a requirement to proceed.

  3. Fingerprinting - Every applicant and adult (over the age of 18) in the home will be fingerprinted.

  4. Pre-Service Training - Training generally consists of seven three-hour sessions. All spouses must complete pre-service training to be certified. Children are not allowed at training.

  5. Home Study - During training, caseworkers will conduct a series of interviews, home visits, a safety and fire inspection and additional paperwork. During this process you will become familiar with the Home Development Worker.

  6. Placement - After you are certified, a child or children will be placed in your home. This may happen immediately or may take longer, depending on what age and type of child you are able to care for. The agency will try to place children with you that match your strengths and preferences. You can always refuse any placement you are offered. During the certification process, you will explore what age(s), gender(s), race(s), number and type(s) of child(ren) you are able to care for and you will be certified accordingly