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With relief care, you provide care for foster kids on a temporary basis – just a day or two at a time. Relief parents support full-time foster parents, giving them time off when they need it and helping to ensure Oregon's foster kids receive the best possible care. Relief parents can also provide care for a kid who is waiting for a local agency to find a longer-term home.
Relief care is a way to make a difference in the lives of young people, with a lower commitment than full-time fostering.
As a relief parent, you'll be a part of a team supporting Oregon's foster kids and families. Here's what's involved:
To foster with a Foster Plus agency, you must meet the following basic requirements:
Local agencies may have additional requirements beyond those listed here. Contact your local agency to learn more.
Foster Plus agencies provide foster parents a stipend starting at $1,400/month. The stipend varies among agencies and based on the needs of each kid. It’s used to cover costs such as food, transportation, clothing, utility bills and activities.
Yes. All families must go through a certification process before qualifying. Training is an important part of this process, and you’ll receive specialized training to make sure you’re ready to address the young person’s specific needs. Download our information sheet to learn more about the training and support you'll receive.
The placement process is a team effort, and your local agency's staff will work to understand which young people will be the best fit for your family. During the certification process, your certifier will work with you to determine your strengths, helping to ensure a successful match with each placement.
Support staff are available around the clock to help you with any issues that may arise. You’ll receive a list of contacts and are encouraged to reach out any time. In addition, you’ll receive specialized training to help you address a number of specific situations.
The certification process usually takes between six weeks and four months, but this can vary among local agencies. Download our information sheet to learn more.