What is foster care?
Foster and respite parents are temporary caregivers for children and teens who are removed from their homes when their parents cannot care for them. They support the day-to-day needs and help them heal from the family experiences that brought them into care so they can form healthy bonds and develop positive skills that allow them to succeed. OPPO licenses foster parents, ensuring that they are cleared and trained to become this integral support for the people we serve. After completing this step we will then help find a placement that fits into their family.
Whom does OPPO Foster Care Program serve?
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We serve children who:
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Are under the age of 18.
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natural parents cannot support the needs of their child
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are born with or acquired a disability and receive waiver services through DSPD
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We cannot serve :
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Children with severe behaviors that require restraints or seclusion.
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Private foster arrangements.
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What are the requirements to become a foster parent?
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May be legally married couples or single individuals (aged 18 or older). Couples who are not legally married are unable to be licensed. Same-sex couples are included in this requirement.
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Must have current legal status in the United States.
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All persons aged 18 and older in the home must pass background checks.
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Must be financially stable and able to support their family without relying upon foster care reimbursement.
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Need to be healthy enough to care for children, as determined by their own medical provider.
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Will not be licensed to do both foster care and daycare simultaneously.
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While foster parents can be homeowners or renters, there are physical aspects of your home that are important. To put it succinctly, your home must be clean, in good repair, and free from health and fire hazards. It also needs to have enough room for any children you intend to foster.
OPPO and the Division of Child and Family Services do not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
If you have any questions about whether you or your home meet the qualifications.
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What does the program cost?
Costs to complete the Home Study, background checks for all individuals in the house, and required medical physicals are covered by the prospective foster parent(s). All other costs are covered by the agency. As this process is intensive and there is not a guaranteed placement, we offer no refunds on these costs.
How do I become a part of the OPPO Foster Care Program?
How to become a part of the OPPO Foster Care Program comming soon.
If something should happen, what is the grievance process?
POLICY
Grievances are addressed with respect, care, and confidentiality and without the threat of retaliation.
PROCEDURE
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Employees/ Contractors and Clients are encouraged first to attempt to discuss & resolve their grievances, problems, or concerns with their direct supervisor unless speaking to the supervisor would be a conflict of interest or create an undue hardship.
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You may escalate your grievance to the Human Resources Manager at any point. Their phone number is (801) 317-8609.
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If, after discussion with Human Resources, you would still like to make a formal complaint, the person will provide written notification to Human Resources of the unresolved concerns. If a person needs to be anonymous for safety concerns, they will be allowed to do so.
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Human Resources will respond to the person in writing within 10 business days with a resolution. This will include any additional escalation needed.
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If, in the rare case that a person did not feel like their concerns were addressed by HR, they have the right to address the CEO directly.