May is National Foster Care Month.
Did you know that there are 3,000+ Tucson children currently in CPS custody? Foster and adoptive parents are desperately needed. JoAnne Stephens, Director of Foster Care and Adoption at Arizona Baptist Children's Services, explained that "there are currently only 777 foster homes in Tucson." Not nearly enough for the number of children who need loving homes.
To become a licensed foster parent in the state of Arizona you must:
•Be 21 years of age or older.
•Married or single.
•Have adequate income to support your own family’s needs. The state will pay you an allowance to care of the foster children.
•Have adequate living space for a foster child including a separate bed.
•Provide personal references.
•Pass a criminal background check.
•Provide a physician’s statement verifying your emotional and physical health.
•Complete 30 hours of training.
Arizona Baptist Children's Services will be offering a new training session, beginning on Monday, June 3rd. The class will run for 10 weeks (30 hours) on Monday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm in the ABCS training room at 1779 N. Alvernon Way. To sign up or request additional information, please contact JoAnne Stephens at 520-795-7541 or via email at [email protected].
Christian Family Care has 10-week PSMAPP classes (for fostering or adopting through DES) beginning on May 28th (Tuesday nights for 10 weeks, 6-9pm) and June 27th (Thursday nights for 10 weeks, 6-9pm). The classes are held at the Christian Family Care offices, 6063 E. Grant Road. Prior to enrolling, you need to complete an initial packet and meet with an Initial Licensing Specialist. For more information, call 520-561-8247 or send an email to [email protected].
You can also foster/adopt through the following agencies:
- A Place To Call Home
- AmeriPsych
- Arizona's Children Association
- Casa de los Niños
- Community Provider of Enrichment Services
- Devereux
- La Paloma Family Services