National Foster Care Month: 7 Reasons to Become a Host Home Foster Parent
At RISE Services, Inc. Oregon, we’re thrilled to celebrate National Foster Care Month this May, a time to recognize the need for compassionate households to support foster youth. How big is the need? There are over 4,500 Oregon children in foster care. Children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are present in the system at rates two to five times higher than in the general population. If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the perfect time to take the first step to becoming a Host Home parent with RISE Services, Inc. Oregon.
The Basics of a Host Home
A Host Home provides a safe and stable family setting for children and youth, especially those with IDD, who cannot live with their birth families. Host Homes focus on building healthy connections and delivering consistent, individualized supports.
Why Become a Host Home Provider?
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, becoming a Host Home provider can be especially rewarding. Here are seven meaningful reasons to consider opening your heart and home.
1. Make a Lasting Difference
As a Host Home, you can have a powerful, positive impact on the life of a child who may need extra support. Stable relationships and supportive environments are shown to improve long-term outcomes for youth in foster care, particularly for children with IDD.
2. Foster Healthy Family Connections
Host Homes encourage the building of strong, nurturing relationships, supporting the child’s emotional and developmental needs. Every effort is made to facilitate lasting bonds, which can shape a child’s sense of belonging and security.
3. Long-Term, Stable Placements
Children thrive when they experience continuity in their living situations. Host Homes aim for long-term placements, reducing the disruptions that can make it harder for children to succeed.
4. Personalized Support Through Every Step
Host Home providers receive guidance from a dedicated RISE Services, Inc. Oregon Licensing Specialist throughout the entire licensing process. You’ll always have a go-to person to answer questions and offer encouragement.
5. Comprehensive Training for Foster Parents
Training isn’t one-size-fits-all. At RISE Services, Inc. Oregon, we provide thorough, trauma-informed courses and individualized caregiving information that prepares you to support children with varying needs.
6. Ongoing, Team-Based Support
Host Home providers are never alone. Our services include a range of collaborative supports, like access to behavior professionals and 24-hour on-call assistance. Monthly check-ins with a Coordinator help ensure you have the resources needed.
7. Financial Compensation
While your main motivation may be offering a supportive home, as a Host Home provider, you also receive monthly compensation as a contractor.
Become a Host Home Parent Today
Every child deserves a safe, caring place to call home this National Foster Care Month. If you’re interested in joining the community of Host Home providers making a real impact across Oregon, RISE Oregon is ready to support you. Contact us today to discover how you can change a life, and maybe your own, in the process.
