Foster Parents Make A Positive Difference For Kids

At this very moment, there is a child in Spokane County who needs the protection and provision of a foster parent.

Last year, more than 300 families opened their homes to foster care, yet the need is even more critical today.

Regardless of the duration of care, foster parents can have a positive impact on a child’s future. They are the steppingstones of hope in a child’s path which, in many cases, is well worn by abuse and neglect. While foster parenting requires time and energy, the rewards are numerous, said Laurie Palmquist, community resource program manager with the Department of Social and Health Services.

“Children come into the foster system because of safety issues. Some are neglected and suffering from malnutrition,” Palmquist said.

“After a few days or weeks in a foster home, the child looks healthy and full of life. Those are the rewards for the foster parent.”

Foster parents, who must be at least 18 years old, can be single, married, divorced or widowed. They can choose from a variety of foster-care options according to what suits them best.

The traditional foster parent receives placement of a child from a few days up to six months or longer. Emergency foster parents accept immediate placement of a child for a stay not to exceed 30 days.

Respite foster parents provide time off to another foster family by caring for their foster children for a week or weekend.

It takes two or three months to become licensed as a foster parent. After attending an orientation and completing an application, the applicant agrees to a background check on all adults living in the home, including children over 16 years old. Social workers check the applicant’s references, and a home visit ensures a safe and healthy environment.

At that point, applicants attend an 18-hour training course to gain skills in discipline and behavior management. Once the foster parent is licensed, a “home-finder” will call to request placement of a child.

“The foster parent is not required to take every child that is referred,” said Palmquist. “They have the ability to choose the child - even specifying age and gender - that best fits with their family.”

Foster parents receive a stipend to cover basic living expenses for each child in care. While the funds do not cover the full cost of raising a child, they help defray household expenses.

A common fear among would-be foster parents is that they will become too attached to a child, that once that child moves on, the pain will be too great to bear.

“You have to keep in mind you’re doing this to help children,” said Palmquist. “The goal is to get them in a long-term living situation - whether back home or in an adoptive home - and you’re there to help (with that process).

“Even if that was the only child you ever took, it could make a huge difference.”

The next foster parent orientation meeting will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Department of Social and Health Services, 1313 N. Atlantic, Suite 2000. To register, call 363-3510 or (800) 558-3040.

Community events

Experience the rhythm, colors and sounds of Africa when the Spokane Area Children’s Chorus performs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Met.

“African Celebration II” will feature Malidoma! and drummers and dancers from Grant Elementary.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, available through G&B Select-A-Seat, 325-SEAT.

Are you stretching your monthly income as far as you can? Learn tips on money management during a free public program sponsored by Spokane Community College’s Single Parent Program.

“Living on a Shoestring Budget: How to Make Your Financial Aid and Paychecks Go Further” begins at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Littlefoot Rooms A and B, Building 6, in SCC’s Lair-Student Center, 1810 N. Greene.

Vickie Countryman, recruiting and marketing manager for American Express Financial Advisors, will present the one-hour program.

For information, call 533-7030.

The Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, Gonzaga University president, will discuss the work and person of Jesus during a free public lecture Thursday.

“He is the Lord” will be at 7:30 p.m. in GU’s Jepson Center Auditorium, sponsored by Gonzaga’s Catholic Studies. Audience participation and questions will be encouraged.

For information, call Brian Clayton, 323-6744.

Kudos

The Spokane Association of Life Underwriters, a group of life insurance agents, presented Habitat for Humanity-Spokane with a $5,500 donation from the proceeds of SALU’s annual golf tournament.

Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing by building homes for low-income families.

“We’re very grateful to this professional group that cares about housing for the less fortunate in our community,” said Dia Hadley, executive director of Habitat.

Golfers, mark your calendars for SALU’s upcoming Habitat for Humanity golf tournament June 15 at Indian Canyon Golf Course.

Entry fees are $70 per person. For an application, call 928-3534.

This sidebar appeared with the story: DETAILS Community colleges Did you know? Community Colleges of Spokane enrolls approximately 22,400 students per quarter at its three campuses: Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, and the Institute for Extended Learning. Some 120 programs are offered through professional and technical training that result in associate degrees or certificates. Day and evening classes are offered at 165 locations in Spokane and the surrounding six-county region at a much-reduced tuition and fees compared to public and private colleges and universities. Each year, $17 million is offered in financial aid via grants, scholarships, low-cost loans and work-study programs. For information, call 533-7000.