What is involved in being a foster parent?

Therapeutic foster parents contract with Connections365 to provide a home where these youth can begin to receive the necessary treatment for a variety of behavioral issues and/or mental health disorders. Many of these youth have either been residing in traditional foster care, other therapeutic proctor care, and/or residential facilities. Many are in need of a more therapeutic and rehabilitative approach.

Connections365 partners with various state agencies such as Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to provide a placement that will allow for this necessary treatment to be provided. Connections365 proctor parents work closely with assigned case managers in supporting the youths’ individualized behavioral rehabilitative service plan.

What are the Requirements for becoming a Connections365 Foster Parent?

• At least 21 years of age
• Able to provide an emotionally and physically safe home
• Must demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to work with youth
• Possess a high level of self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to become certified as a proctor parent through Connections365’s certification process
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License and reliable vehicle with current insurance
• Personal liability insurance (homeowner/renter insurance)
• Able to pass a criminal history background check and fingerprinting
• Able to be First Aid/CPR Certified
• Bachelor’s degree or two years’ experience working with youth is preferred, but not mandatory

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of Foster Parenting?

• Maintain & operate proctor home for supervising, nurturing, and guiding youth as agreed upon with assigned case manager.
• Attend monthly required proctor training meetings provided by Connections365, which count toward the 16 required annual hours of ongoing training.
• Attend scheduled youth appointments as necessary.
• Be available for youth placement and services as agreed upon with Connections365.
• Complete weekly Behavioral Rehabilitative Service (BRS) required documentation.
• Fulfill required BRS skill building hours per youth each week.
• Submit weekly & monthly paperwork on time.
• Monitor daily routine/schedules of youth in care.
• Provide transportation for youth as necessary.
• Provide academic assistance for youth in care.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding youth in care.
• Provide individual & community recreational opportunities for youth in care.
• Support youth’s connection with biological family and aftercare resources.
• Maintain the safety and security of the home (i.e. room inspections, backpack/bag searches).
• Utilize monthly reimbursement from Connections365 to provide maintenance for youth in home.

How We Support Foster Parents

Connections365 understands both the immense joys and significant challenges that come with the decision to foster a child. To support families throughout this journey, Connections365 offers extensive assistance and a variety of services, including:

• Specialized training to equip you for caring for children with higher needs
• Additional financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per month
• 24/7 support to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist with emergencies to make sure you never feel alone
• A dedicated team of experienced Connections365 staff to help you succeed as a foster parent
• A community of Connections365 foster parents where you can exchange ideas, advice, and expertise
• Time for rest, with 48 hours of paid time off per month when you need a break

Questions about foster care? Contact us.

Director of Quality and Administrative Services: George White

Email: george.white@connections365.org

Call or text: 503-931-9640

Ready to apply?

Start the process by completing an application in Binti, our secure, online platform.