Foster Parenting is hard work!  The most current research in brain development reminds us that we were not created to live in isolation, but rather designed for community.  Thriving children have meaningful, connected relationships with at least 4 adults who love and care about their well-being.  Our foster and adoptive families need others who will come alongside them in order to support their family and to develop positive relationships with the children that they serve.  There are several ways that supporters can do this.

Babysitting

Foster Families aren’t allowed to simply drop off their child with someone they trust–those who babysit a foster child are required to be registered with the agency.  This process is very simple and requires a very brief application form, a background check, and may require CPR & First Aid training for infants, children, and adults.  Babysitters should be referred by a Covenant Kids foster/adoptive parent.  If you are interested in babysitting for a Covenant Kids foster/adoptive family that you know, please ask that family to contact their Covenant Kids Case Manager for more information.

Respite

Respite care is an excellent ministry for families with a heart to bless children but who are not able to do foster care full time.  It is similar to babysitting, but may last for up to 2 weeks at a time, although it may be more brief in nature (i.e. weekend care).

Respite care providers are qualified and trained to provide temporary supervision and care to foster children. Because parenting a therapeutic foster child 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week is physically and emotionally challenging, foster families occasionally need time to rest and spend time with their biological family. Covenant Kids encourages its foster parents to take advantage of respite care services on a regular basis. Respite providers are typically compensated per child at a daily rate.

Respite providers may be referred by a Covenant Kids family, or they may be a person in the community interested in helping foster families.  Respite providers must be at least 18 years old, willing to submit to a criminal background check for all family members 14 and older, attend some training with Covenant Kids, and complete required documentation with the agency.

If you are interested in becoming a respite provider, CONTACT Covenant Kids via this website or give us a call at 817-516-9100.  The Family Recruitment Specialist will be happy to answer your questions and help you as you consider this important decision.

Relief Care

Relief Care is similar to babysitting, but not as extensive in its requirements as respite care.  Relief Care is care for foster/adoptive children that is less than 72 hours in length.  Relief Care providers are also approved as volunteers with the agency and may be willing to provide childcare during agency events or asked to serve in other capacities with children.

Covenant Kids is a member of the DFW Church Relief Care Network.  Training and approval to provide Relief Care is taking place in cooperation with several other agencies and many churches throughout our area.  For more information on upcoming Relief Care workshops, visit the DFW Alliance at http://www.dfwalliance.org/, or you can CONTACT Covenant Kids via this website or give us a call at 817-516-9100.  The Family Development Specialist will be happy to help you.  In the meantime, you are welcome to download the Relief Care Provider Application Packet and Information Sheet in order to get started.

Relief Care Provider Application Download
Relief Care Information Sheet Download

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Are you ready to take the next step?
CLICK HERE to find out more about becoming a Foster Family!

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