Frequently Asked Questions

Adoption | Foster Parenting | Outdoor Therapeutic Residential Care

Adoption

Who is eligible to adopt?

You must be at least 21 (25 if you are single) to adopt, depending on state laws. Adoptive parents must also demonstrate that they are prepared to care for a child’s emotional, social, financial, and educational needs by completing an adoptive homestudy. Families who already have children may also adopt.

How much does it cost?

The cost of each adoption varies and depends on several factors. There are several ways to finance an adoption and some state subsidies are available.

How long does it take?

Generally, the process takes about 6 – 12 months from start to finish depending on individual dynamics.

Are the children healthy?

The majority of the children are healthy, with few developmental delays. Some special needs children are also available.

Foster Parenting

Who are the children?

The children range in age from newborn to 18 years with the minority being ten years and older (mostly in their teen years). Some have been victimized by abuse or neglect. Some may be physically or mentally challenged. All the children in foster care need a loving, secure, stable family environment. County placing agencies have indicated a particular need for foster homes that will provide homes for adolescents, for homes that have enough room to permit siblings to stay together, and for homes that may be used on an emergency shelter basis.

What is the role of a foster parent?

Foster parents are professional parents who enjoy parenting and are willing to share their home, time, energy, and love with children who have special problems because of abuse or neglect.

How do I become a foster parent?

You will need to participate in background checks, trainings and home consultations as part of the process for becoming a foster parent. (Click here for more detailed information)

Where can I receive foster parent training?

Our orientation and GPS/MAPP trainings are community based and convenient for most participants.

Can I afford to do this?

Foster parents receive a monthly stipend to feed, clothe and meet the material needs of the children in their care.

What if my foster child gets sick?

Generally, medical and dental coverage is provided through the Medicaid or State funded program.

Can I still work?

Yes; however, for working parents, appropriate childcare arrangements must be made by the foster parents. Working for a company that would allow flexibility and time off as needed would be necessary.

Are there age limits?

If attending post-secondary education, some may qualify to remain in foster care until the age of 21.

Do I get to choose the children who come into my home?

Foster parents help decide if a child is appropriate for their situation. Every attempt is made to initially match a child to a family who is able to meet the child’s individual needs. Children can be matched with the best foster family when there are a large number of foster families to choose from.

What are the rewards of becoming a foster parent?

Foster parents can expect many rewards:

a sense of accomplishment;

the chance to help children feel good about themselves;

pride in doing a meaningful and important job;

challenging experiences;

the opportunity to meet and work with new people;

a chance to use special talents and knowledge;

the opportunity to make a lifetime of difference in a short time.

What Is The Goal of Foster Care?

The goal is to reunite the children with their own families. When parental rights are terminated, the children may become available for adoption or prepared for adult or independent living.

How Can I Help Foster Children Without Being a Foster Parent?

There are several ways to help children in foster care while not being a licensed foster parent.

Read 9 Ways to Help Children in Foster Care.

Outdoor Therapeutic Residential Care

Is this program the same as a boot camp?

No. Boot camps are military-style, semi-penal institutions that use discipline, military exercises, and rigorous physical training to "break" a defiant adolescent and supposedly return home a "good soldier" who will obey authority, follow rules, and improve behavior at home and school. There is no therapy, no psychological intervention to address underlying emotional or behavioral problems that may have been developing over many years. The theory is that a swift "kick in the pants" will turn around a child who has probably been acting out for years. Boot camps have a history of problems, from accusations of abusive staff to poor training that has led to serious incidents and even death of their adolescent participants.

Therapeutic programs combine therapy, the teaching of adaptive survival skills, and the impact of the natural consequences; such combination has been proven to create more profound, lasting changes in struggling adolescents.

The difference between the two programs’ focus are more clearly outlined below.

Outdoor Therapeutic Recreational Programs

Respect of authority
Self-Discipline
Cooperation
Responsibility
Self-Esteem
Self-confidence

Military-Style Boot Camp

Fear of authority
Doing "as told"
Obedience
Repression
Resentment
Need for structure

http://www.boot-camps-info.com/bootcamps.html
http://www.boot-camps-info.com/boot-camp-alternatives.html

What is your policy on the use of force and restraint?

Al-Hajj, Inc.’s policy does not allow for the use of force or restraint in the motivation or discipline of a resident. Appropriate and approved restraint is used only when necessary and only for as long as necessary to ensure resident safety and the safety of others, but only when there is an immediate threat of apparent danger.

All staff members are trained in de-escalation techniques and restraint procedures. All interventions requiring restraint are documented and reviewed by executive management on a daily basis.