Omni Visions – a foster-care placement agency that provides services for adults and children throughout North Carolina – has launched a new campaign under the theme “Power to the Family,” aimed at encouraging qualified adults to consider joining the network of foster parents across North Carolina who are making positive, direct impacts on young lives each day.
“In every state we serve, including North Carolina, the demand for stable, caring foster homes far exceeds current availability, based on the volume of children in need,” said Omni Visions North Carolina Executive Director Michelle Brewer.
“To our team, empowerment is the most uplifting mantra for children, for foster care-givers and for each foster child’s birth family to regain health, stability and unity, as possible,” Brewer said. “Empowerment requires the strongest support system available to those in the foster care system, with information, guidance, training, resources and a humanity-centric focus available for everyone – children, foster parents and families in general.”
According to Omni Visions – which has served as a foster care placement service for some 25 years – prospective foster parents generally consider their decision to offer a foster home one to two years, on average, before moving forward with the qualification, training and licensing process.
“It’s certainly not a snap-decision, nor should it be,” Brewer said. “Providing a foster home to one or more children is one of the most important and personal decisions an adult can make – and it’s critical for that decision to be accurately informed, as well as adequately supported, once the decision is made to move forward in that role.”
The first step in the consideration and licensing process to become a foster parent is to tap into a strong support system that will help guide, educate and assist foster-family prospects each step of the way, with 24/7/365 personal contact, training, resources and encouragement.
You don’t need a lot of money or a lot of room to become a foster parent. Key qualifications for adults to become a foster parent include:
- Be 25+ years of age, or if a two-parent home, at least one applicant must be 25+
- Can be married, single, or divorced
- May or may not have children
- Can own or rent your home/apartment
- Must be a citizen of the United States
- Home must have a bedroom to accommodate a foster child/children
- All applicants in the home must be able to attend agency training.
- Valid state driver’s license, with reliable transportation
- Be financially stable, employed, or retired
- Have a physical completed by your primary care physician
- Pass all background checks along with a drug screen
Anne Kuhn, a North Carolinian who has fostered for over seven years, finds Omni Visions’ training and support provides confidence and the ability to handle the challenges that may arise during foster care.
“Many amazing children have come through my home, however, these children come from difficult situations and there are often emotions and behaviors that can be tough to manage,” said Kuhn. “Through the help and incredible support from Omni Visions, we were more effective in helping these children grow and thrive. I’ve developed strong bonds with my resource coordinator, and those bonds have extended to the children we work together to serve.”
Omni Visions encourages qualified North Carolina adults to consider becoming a foster parent. Learn more about how you or a friend can become a foster parent at powertothefamily.com.
