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Become an I/DD Foster Parent

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Become an I/DD Foster Parent

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CONTACT US

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
3180 Center St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-588-5288
Fax: 503-588-5290 

Overview


Children receiving services through an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) program are eligible to be placed into I/DD certified foster homes, which specialize in supporting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a specialized setting (Learn More About Specialized Foster Homes). This page outlines the process to be considered as an I/DD Certified Foster Provider. 

Minimum Requirements


You meet the minimum requirements if all the following are true:

    • You are a responsible, stable, emotionally mature adult aged 21 or older who exercises sound judgment.
    • You are able to pass an abuse and criminal background check (All household members over the age of 18 must pass these checks. Fingerprinting is required).
    • You are able to complete all Pre-Servicing training (15 hours).
    • You are mentally and physically capable of providing foster care.
    • You are financially stable and can demonstrate income sufficient to cover living expenses independent of a foster care payment.
    • You can provide four reference contacts, three of which cannot be related to you and who have known you for at least two years.
    • You have a genuine desire to create a safe, loving, and supportive environment for a child with developmental disabilities.
    • You are organized and have strong written and oral communication skills.
    • You reside in a home that meets structural and safety requirements (Foster children may not sleep on a 3rd story floor or higher; this includes apartments or condominiums.).
If you wish to support children with significant medical needs, you must also:
    • Have an equivalent of one year of full-time experience in providing direct care to individuals.
    • Be licensed as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, emergency medical technician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant OR
    • Have the equivalent of two additional years full-time experience providing care and support to an individual who has a medical condition that is serious and may be life-threating.
    • Have current certification in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) from a recognized training agency AND the CPR certificate must be appropriate to the age of the child with significant medical needs.
    • Provide current references from at least two medical professionals, such as a physician or registered nurse, who have direct knowledge of your ability and past experiences as a caregiver. 
    • Supply a positive written recommendation from the department's Medically Fragile Children's Unit (MFCU) if you have provided services through MFCU or have historically received services through the MFCU for a child in your family home or foster home.

What You Will Be Doing as a Foster Provider


    • You will work with families, agency staff, and other community partners.
    • You will communicate with all team members regarding the foster child's progress, your need for additional support, etc.
    • You'll provide educational support and be an active member of the child's IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
    • You'll be part of developing and implementing the child's Individualized Support Plan (ISP) and if applicable, the child's Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP).
    • You will teach and model skills to children that foster independence and positive self-esteem.
    • You will arrange for and provide transportation to appointments and community activities.
    • You'll secure and train respite or alternate care providers.
    • You'll maintain records that are timely, detailed, organized, and comply with Medicaid standards.
    • You'll have a computer in the home in order to meet administrative tasks, and will abide by the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) or I/DD Foster Care. 
    • You'll apply non-punitive Positive Behavior Support approaches to shape positive behavior.
    • You'll apply a trauma-informed approach to foster parenting. 

Screening Form and Next Steps


    1.  If after reviewing all of the information here you think the I/DD Child Foster care program may be a good fit for you, please complete the screening form.
    2. Once your information has been submitted, a representative from Marion County will review it to determine if your skills, experience, and fostering desires meet the current needs of the program. If so, you will be contacted for next steps.
    3. Applicants with experience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, who have worked in a foster care setting, or who demonstrate an understanding of Trauma-Informed principles will be prioritized for certification. 

Certification Process


Marion County I/DD staff conduct screening, orientation, verify pre-service training, walk-through of the home, and preliminary certification approval for I/DD Child Foster Homes. The certification process can take up to 6 months to complete and participation in the certification process does not guarantee that a home will be certified. The final decision to certify a home is made by the DD Licensing Unit of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Licensing and Quality of Care.