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SMART Foster Parent Qualifications for Specialized Foster Homes Foster parent applicants to SMART must meet ALL the requirements set forth in the "Rules Providing For The Licensing Of Specialized Children's Foster Homes" some of which are outlined below: Applicants must be 21 years of age, and may own or rent their home. Must be capable of exercising good judgment in meeting the needs of foster children and not engaged in practices detrimental to the welfare of children.Six months of work or education/work experience with children with emotional and/or behavioral needs or one year as a licensed foster parent. If foster parents work outside of the home, they must be available, or make arrangements for someone to be available if the foster child needs to be home during the day. Endorsement by SMART interview team determining a good fit between the applying foster home and the agency. ** SMART will not discriminate on the basis of sex, religion, race, age, nationality, or sexual orientation SMART understands the importance of comprehensive support services for foster families. Foster parents and their children can expect a commitment to on-going communication in the following areas:
This is what SMART Foster Parents have to say about their experiences with the agency: " The caseworker has gone above and beyond her job description. She has been available nights and weekends even when she may not be the on call person. She not only looks out for the well-being of the child, but my well-being also. The SMART director has never passed me or my child by without asking how things are going. She knows all of the foster parents by name, as well as all of the children. I would say the most important part of the experience I have had thus far is not a personal one. It is seeing foster children of other parents at the agency age out or reunify with family as happy, emotionally strong and productive young adults and this is what it is all about." L.A. Foster parent with SMART since 2001
"I have been involved with the agency for four years. I would like you to know that one of the main reasons that I decided to join this agency is the people. I have been involved in foster care for approximately thirty years now. We interviewed and were accepted by SMART. I have to say that I was nervous with the paperwork and the support group meetings, etc. What a relief it was to be brought into this "family" of people. Everyone had the same concerns for their kids, everyone wanted the best for their kids. They have supported our family and we added another child to our family with their help. . . . .in this busy world the family of SMART workers and foster families have a true connection. We help each other. SMART wants to help us all in any way that they can. We have had two wonderful case managers who have always been there when we needed them. I cannot say enough about this agency." B.L. Foster parent with SMART since 2002
"I have been with SMART since the beginning. I feel that the workers and staff are always looking for ways to improve the agency. They provide regular support and encouragement to our families and are there for us in any way we may need them. I have always felt supported in issues with my children as well as difficulties in other areas of foster parenting. We also have several fun events offered throughout the year that help families bond or simply lessen our stress levels. SMART involves foster parents in planning and quality control sessions, making the agency a true team effort. I believe SMART is the best agency in the state." J.P. Foster parents with SMART since 1995
"I am writing to let you know that the SMART agency has provided this family with an enormous amount of support. We did not have to worry about our children. The agency provided unlimited support to all of us. This support helped with uninterrupted daily schedules for our children due to having respite care in our home. They also provided us with excellent training that helps us meet the individualized needs of each child in our home. If it wasn't for SMART, we would not be able to provide the quality of care that our children need in order to live in a less constrictive environment. Thank you, SMART, for all you do and for being there for our family. P.C. Foster parent with SMART since 1995 "Foster care has been a very rewarding life for my family and myself. I have made many friends and made lasting relationships that will bless me for a lifetime. I have been with the agency since the beginning. I have seen many changes over the past ten years. I really love working with everyone at SMART. I always felt supported and a very valued team member. I believe that all of the staff at SMART are very dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care, many going above and beyond their job descriptions by doing fundraisers and bringing awareness to the community, recruiting new foster parents, etc. I have had different caseworkers over the years, and each and every one has been a new and positive pleasure to work with. I applaud the entire agency for their hard work and commitment and hope that it continues to grow and flourish. Many lives have been changed in a positive way and not only for the children but the entire network of people connected to making this world a better place. C.R. Foster parent with SMART since 1995
For more information on becoming a SMART Child and Family Services Treatment Foster Parent, please fill out this form or call Jo Bradeen at 207-893-0386 or email jbradeen@smartcfs.org.
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The
creation of a foster family begins with a referral from Maine's
Department of Health and Human Services. Referrals
typically include children with emotional and behavioral issues who
need therapeutic care in a foster home environment.
After each child's individual needs are assessed, they are matched
with the SMART foster family best suited to provide appropriate care
and support. 