LGBT couples and singles interested in becoming foster parents will have an opportunity to learn more about the process during a special presentation at The Children’s Shelter on August 31.
The event, which is co-hosted by Out In SA magazine, will feature a tour of the agency along with a foster care presentation that will feature a foster family who will share their experience.
According to their website, “The Children’s Shelter was established in 1901 for a reason — To provide a safe haven for children who were abused, abandoned and neglected.” The agency offers emergency shelter and residential treatment for kids, aged from infancy to 18-years-old, who are in crisis and helps them find permanent homes through foster care and adoption.
The qualifications for becoming a foster parent as listed on The Children’s Shelter website are:
– Be at least 23 years old
– Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
– Be financially self-sustaining
– Be married, single, divorced or widowed
– Consent to a criminal and abuse/neglect background check
– Pass an FBI registry check
– Attend and adhere to The Children’s Shelter policy on discipline and behavior management
– Attend required pre-service training
– Complete CPR/First Aid Certification
– Be in good emotional and mental health
– Pass a fire and health inspection of your home
– Have adequate living space (80 feet per child)
– Must have reliable transportation
“Many public and private agencies welcome the LGBT community. Leading child welfare organizations believe that prospective LGBT parents are an excellent resource for children and youth in need of permanent families,” according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The information presented on August 31 is the same that is presented at The Children’s Shelter’s bi-weekly inquiry meetings held for the general public.
The Children’s Shelter and Out In SA magazine host an agency tour and foster care presentation on August 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 2939 W. Woodlawn Ave. All are welcome. For more information: (210) 212-2500 or fostercareinquiry@chshel.org.
