Are you considering making a profound difference in a child’s life? The Nh Foster Care Program offers a unique opportunity to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children in need across New Hampshire. This guide provides essential information for individuals and families interested in becoming foster parents in NH, outlining the process, requirements, and resources available.
For those interested in learning more about adoption and foster care within New Hampshire, the first step is to connect with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
State Contact Information for NH Foster Care Program
To begin your journey or ask any initial questions regarding the NH foster care program, you can reach out to:
Amy Byers
603-271-7318
[email protected]
Additionally, Adopt NH serves as an invaluable online resource, connecting prospective families with children in New Hampshire who are waiting for loving homes. Visit Adopt NH to explore this platform.
Foster Care and Adoption Licensing Requirements in NH
Whether your interest lies in adoption or becoming a foster parent in NH, certain licensing requirements must be met. Applicants are required to complete the comprehensive 21-hour “FACES” training class series, in addition to a three-hour “FACES to Faces Celebration” class. These essential classes are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to support children in foster care.
Each FACES class session is typically three hours long and conveniently scheduled in the evenings to accommodate various schedules. For added flexibility, some sessions are offered as double sessions on Saturdays, and occasionally, daytime class series are available. You can find detailed foster parent training information and the course schedule on the FACES program website: foster parent training information and course schedule.
Adoption Qualifications in New Hampshire
Many individuals possess the qualities to become exceptional adoptive parents. If you meet the following basic qualifications, you are well on your way to starting this fulfilling journey:
- You are at least 21 years of age.
- Your marital status can be single, married, divorced, or widowed.
- You can be a homeowner or renter.
- You may or may not have prior parenting experience.
- You may already have children in your home or not.
Meeting these fundamental criteria is a fantastic starting point towards becoming an adoptive parent through the NH foster care program. For more detailed information on both foster care and adoption, please visit Adopt NH.
The Foster Care Process in NH Explained
Becoming a foster or adoptive parent might seem daunting, but it’s a path successfully navigated by everyday people just like you. By attending the required training classes, you will have the opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey and learn from their experiences.
Throughout the process, your dedicated foster care worker will serve as a crucial guide, providing comprehensive information about fostering and adoption within the NH foster care program and offering support at every step.
Costs to Foster and Adopt in NH
A significant benefit of the NH foster care program is that there are no costs associated with fostering or adoption through the state. While you will need to cover the expense of fingerprinting for your background check, this cost is reimbursed once you become a licensed foster or adoptive parent in New Hampshire.
Agency Contact and Orientation Information
For more in-depth information about the NH foster care program, please visit the official website of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human services. This website offers extensive resources and details regarding the program.
Post-Adoption Support Services in NH
The support for families extends beyond the adoption process. New Hampshire offers a comprehensive range of post-adoption and guardianship support services. Explore a detailed list of these services and support groups available to families across the state at post-adoption and guardianship support services.
Understanding the Need: Children in NH Foster Care
As of June 30, 2010, there were 715 children in out-of-home care in New Hampshire, with 77 children waiting for adoption. These children within New Hampshire’s public child welfare system range in age from infancy to 18 years.
To gain a deeper understanding of the children awaiting homes and the overall need, please visit Adopt New NH. Your decision to become a foster parent through the NH foster care program can bring hope and stability to a child’s life.
