About this recommendation

Current foster parents who do not work for your Department can provide additional empathy and perspectives that can help new families decide to sign up, or decide to expand their training or placement preferences. Hiring current foster parents to assist as co-trainers in new or continuing trainings (or for orientations or early home visits) may also help retain the foster parents who are hired.

How to do this

Work with your HR department to develop contracts for hiring and paying current foster parents.

Set clear expectations early about the role(s) for hired foster parents at trainings or other events. They should complement, not replace, experienced trainers and staff.

Anticipated costs and benefits

Costs

Benefits

Moderate

Increases foster family recruitment
Increases current foster family retention

Who's doing this

2 of 54 states and territories have implemented this recommendation.

Frederick County, MD hires experienced foster parents to co-facilitate PRIDE foster parent training.
Fairfax County, VA hires experienced foster parents to conduct initial home visits for prospective foster families.