What is the minimum age you must be to become a foster parent?
21
be at least 21 years old
true or false: under 10% of former foster children have a college degree
TRUE!!!
studies have found that just 3-4% of former foster youth obtain a four-year college degree, and between 2 and 6% receive a two-year degree.
what is the average amount of time a child will spend in foster care?
3 to 4 years
what disqualifies you from being a foster parent in the US? (multiple answers accepted)
chronic illness, unmanageable mental health issues, substance abuse, a criminal history (involving violence, sexual crimes, or crimes against children), lack of resources and readiness.
What is the #1 problem former foster kids suffer with?
higher rates of mental health and psychiatric disorders
what does the term "kinship care" mean
Kinship care involves relatives, like grandparents or aunts/uncles, caring for children when their parents are unable to do so, either on a temporary or long-term basis, with or without involvement from child welfare agencies.
What makes a foster home 'safe'? (what are the safety requirements for a foster home) (multiple answers)
The house MUST be safe from hazards. this includes
having working smoke detectors
first aid kit
secure storage for medications and cleaning supplies
21!
a large percentage of former foster care women will become pregnant before the age of 25.
how many children are in foster care in the United States? (estimate)
600,000
The most recent report from 2021 shows that an estimated 606,031 children passed through the US foster care system over the course of one year.
What is the max number of kids you can foster in Illinois?
In Illinois, the maximum number of children you can foster in a home is six children under 18 who do not require specialized services, with the number reduced if any child has developmental, emotional, behavioral, or medical needs that require specialized care
what percentage of youth "age out" of foster care
9%!
In 2022, approximately 9% of youth, or 18,538 individuals, exited foster care through emancipation (aging out).
what is the #1 reason children are removed from the home?
NEGLECT
61% of children removed from their home due to abusive neglect.
how much do foster parents get paid per child, per month?
$400-$500 per month
In Illinois, licensed foster parents receive a monthly board payment ranging from $418 to $511 per child, depending on age, to cover board, allowance, and clothing expenses, with specialized foster parents receiving additional payment
what percentage of former foster care children will attempt suicide?
25%
25% of former foster care children will attempt suicide at least once in their life
HARDEST ONE: name one celebrity who was originally in the foster system
Marilyn Monroe, Eddy Murphy, Steve Jobs, Barry Keoghan, Simone Biles, Bill Clinton, Oprah, Cher