Foster & Kinship Care

Our foster parent orientation is an initial informational session for prospective foster parents, providing an opportunity for individuals to learn about the fostering process, ask our support staff questions and gain an insight into what it’s really like to be a foster parent!

At CSI, we offer both in-person and virtual initial orientation sessions.

1. Attend a Foster Parent Orientation, an initial informational meeting for prospective foster parents
2. Register for and complete an 11-week training class
3. Work with Child Saving Institute to complete Home Study and other licensing paperwork
4. Receive final approval and license from the State of Nebraska

• You must be at least 21 years of age
• You may be single or married
• You must pass the following background checks:
  • Adult Protective Services & Child Protective Services
  • Omaha Police Department
  • Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Sex Offender Registry
  • NE State Patrol (fingerprints)
• You must have a stable income
• Complete an application and Home Study
• You and your home must be in compliance with the safety checklist completed by Child Saving Institute licensing staff
• Be a resident of Douglas or Sarpy counties
• Be able to satisfy additional licensing requirements established by the State of Nebraska
• Participate in an 11-week Foster Parent training class at Child Saving Institute
• Provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment
• Agree to be the primary provider for the foster children in your care
• Provide housing, transportation, clothing, recreational activities and medical care for foster children in your care
• Serve as a member of the child’s treatment team
• Assist the child in setting and accomplishing goals
• Participate in home visits
• Keep notes and records documenting the child’s care and progress

The home study is conducted by Child Saving Institute licensing staff. This is a process in which prospective foster parent(s) participate in personal interviews and a walk-through of their home. During the home study a series of in-depth and detailed questions are asked about the applicant’s background, history, family, relationships, parenting style, home and neighborhood. This is also an opportunity for prospective foster parents to ask questions and discuss concerns.

Of course! As any working parent knows, this is no easy task, but with a good routine and planning on your part, you may maintain full-time employment while also being a very successful foster parent!

It is important to always remember that foster parents have the right to decline a placement, without consequence, if they do not feel it is a good fit for their home. It should also be mentioned our highest needs are based around families willing to take teens and large sibling groups, often with three or more children.

We will begin contacting you about placements immediately upon licensure. You determine how quickly you and your family will welcome your first placement. Our highest needs are for families who will welcome teens and large sibling groups.

As a foster parent, you are expected to provide a loving, nurturing and safe environment for the children in your home. You will also need to provide daily care and supervision of children, schedule and maintain necessary medical appointments and participate in family therapy if deemed necessary. Foster parents must be able to provide for transportation needs of the children in their care. We also ask our foster parents to partner with all members of that child’s team and other service providers by attending Family Team Meetings, court hearings, etc. Foster parents may also work with biological families when appropriate to support reunification of the family.

Once licensed, you will be assigned a Foster Care Specialist to work with you on an ongoing basis. This person will assist you in everything from problem-solving tough behaviors to helping navigate the Nebraska Foster Care System. Child Saving Institute also provides 24-hour, on-call support so you have someone to turn to at any hour of the day or night. Foster Parent Network meetings are also a great way to meet other foster parents, share stories and gain support from those in similar situations.

Foster care reimbursement varies depending on the child’s age, behavioral or medical diagnosis, and overall level of care needed. It is important to note that the cost of medical care is covered by Medicaid for children in foster care, and children in foster care may also be eligible for child care under Title XX at child care facilities that accept Title XX clients.

Respite care is an essential part of foster family support. Respite care provides short-term relief to those caring for foster children by placing the child with a family member, friend or other licensed foster family. Respite care may be utilized when you are traveling out-of-town, attending a funeral or just need a break.

Sometimes children in foster care are available for adoption, but it depends on the permanency goal established for that child. Most children in the foster care system are NOT currently available for adoption. Most children’s permanency plan typically starts with a goal of “reunification” with the child’s biological family. However, if a parent’s legal rights are terminated or they choose to relinquish their rights, the children would become available for adoption at that time. A child must be placed in a foster home for at least 6 months before the adoption can be finalized.

Child Saving Institute also maintains the Nebraska Heart Gallery which comprises children in need of Forever Families. You are welcome to visit the website to meet the children and their biographies. Anyone interested in fostering and eventually adopting a child on the Heart Gallery must first become a licensed foster parent.