Foster Parent Information
How We Help
The Family Integrity Program is proud to provide the Foster Care Services for St. Johns County. The Family Integrity Program provides support services for the children and families, and makes every effort to make the fostering experience as fulfilling as possible for all involved. We have a Social Worker and a Placement Specialist on-call 24 hours a day. Click for the Foster Parent Handbook.
Required MAPP Training
We are the only agency in the county that may provide the MAPP (Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting) training required in order to be considered for a home to be licensed. The MAPP training consists of ten, three hour classes following a state standard curriculum. We offer the MAPP training on a rotational basis and, prior to the beginning of a new session, offer an informational session for prospective foster parents.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the MAPP certification, the Prospective Foster Parents must pass a “Foster Care” home study which will include background checks on all household members and regular visitors, financial statements, and family, personal, and medical histories. Licensing of a home is a “mutual selection” process wherein The Family Integrity Program, the Department of Children and families, and the prospective foster parents all play a part in selecting whether the prospective foster parent(s) would be able to provide a loving and supportive home for a child without causing themselves undue hardships (financial, marital, emotional, etc.). Fostering is very rewarding though it is not for everyone, it can be very demanding on you and your family.
Types of Foster Care
Emergency Shelter – A home (available for placement of a child 24 hours a day) to provide temporary care (less than 30 days) for a child until other placement arrangements are made.
Respite Care – A home to care for children (already in the Foster Care Program) whose regular foster parent cannot care for them for a short period of time (sickness, family obligations, vacation).
Long Term Foster Care – A home to provide on-going services for a child for the duration of the case plan.
Questions?
For more information, please call (904) 209-6130.
