Along with meeting the basic qualifications for this position, our Foster Parents embody five essential qualities: a heart for mission, a heart for children, a willingness to relocate, creative parenting and style of care, and a desire for Village and community living
Foster Parents must be 25 years old to become a Foster Parent.
Yes, US-qualified Refugees, DACA, Visa, and U Visa recipients qualify, but they must have a work permit and a valid driver’s license.
Yes, if you have a basic comprehension of the English language and can communicate effectively, you qualify.
The One Family Illinois model of care is unique. We employ full-time, professional Foster Parents who care for up to six siblings in a single-family home in one of our Village communities. As part of this special model, Relief Parents provide support when Foster Parents need assistance during their absence. This may involve caring for children for several hours at a time in a Village home or assisting with picking them up from school and activities.
At One Family Illinois, you don’t have to be married to foster a child or children. Many children will thrive in a single-parent home. Married couples and domestic partnerships are also welcome in our organization.
Yes, married couples and domestic partners are welcome as Foster Parents. Your spouse or partner must go through the same DCFS clearance procedures. In many cases, spouses of our Foster Parents also provide support to their partners as Relief Parents. Spouses are able to hold employment outside of the home.
One Family Illinois will allow two dependent children in the home.
The process can take a minimum of three months. For the process to be successful, regular communication, cooperation, and commitment are required from One Family Illinois and from potential Foster Parents.
The children in our care are referred to us from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
One of the pillars of our model is our commitment to keeping large sibling groups who enter care together. Additionally, we are committed to children, regardless of age or ethnicity. Foster Parents are not able to select specific characteristics or decide where the children, aged 0-18, will be placed.
Each home is equipped to care for up to six children. One Family Illinois Foster Parents should anticipate caring for as many as six children at a time.