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Foster Parenting
Every child deserves to live in a home where he/she feels safe and loved and is able to thrive. When a child has a developmental disability, complex medical condition, or behavioral health issue, things sometimes become more complicated. Foster parents step in when the biological parents can't, for whatever reason, provide that kind of home.
The Arc of Anchorage is licensed as a Placement Agency by the State of Alaska Office of Children's Services. This gives The Arc the authority to recruit, train and license foster parents who are willing to provide a home for children served by The Arc.
Children who need a therapeutic foster family might experience:
- Severe emotional disturbance, like depression, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, or bipolar disorder
- A developmental disability like mental retardation, autism, or cerebral palsy
- A complex medical condition that could include many diagnoses, but commonly includes feeding by a g-tube and having a tracheotomy
Therapeutic foster parents for The Arc receive:
- All the training they need or want to prepare them to take a child with a specific disability
- Monthly home visits with staff from The Arc to help them with their job
- A generous monthly stipend that usually allows one person in the home to stay home full-time or at least cut back to working only part-time
- Supportive services for the child to allow the foster parent breaks during the day
- Support from a case manager who can assist with doctor appointments and scheduling, as well as advocacy at school and with other service agencies
Who can become a therapeutic foster parent for The Arc?
- Single people, married people, or people who live together
- People who rent their home or people who own their home
- People who live in the Municipality of Anchorage
- People who have a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and auto insurance
- People who have a clean criminal history, licensing history, and child protective services history
- People who are flexible in their parenting style and willing to try new approaches
- People who are willing to work in a team atmosphere
- People who can work with parents of children in foster care and be open to their needs and challenges
- People who are optimistic and willing to try and try again with kids to help them succeed
We are always looking for people who live in ranch-style homes (single story) that would be suitable for children who use a wheelchair.
For more information, contact:
Liz Donnelly
Quality Assurance Manager
Phone: 277-6677
TTY: 258-2232
Fax: 272-2161
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