By Toni Gibbons Foster families are in short supply at Eagledancer Youth and Family Services (EYFS) in Snowflake and a new curriculum is in place to inform potential caregivers. “We are always looking for foster families,” said EYFS Executive Director Taylor Hatch. “We have increased the numbers of kids we can help, but the thing that limits us right now is foster homes.” Program Director Oceal Hadley-Brock said that Arizona has recently launched a new curriculum called Foster Parent College (FPC). FPC is a four week class that includes a three-hour weekly class taught at EYFS, followed by assignments of three to four online interactive courses each week. “In the course, we cover every aspect of foster parenting,” said Brock. “From loss, grief, discipline, documentation, shared parenting to simply how the system works. We also cover the responsibilities the foster parents have regarding the child from driver’s licenses, sleepovers, doctor’s visit, etc.” The classes are free and with the new curriculum, Brock can do them one-on-one or in a group setting. “If you are on the fence, you can come to the FPC with no obligation and then make your decision,” said Brock. Foster parents can be a single person or a couple. According to Hatch, the State of Arizona is flexible in who can become a parent but the parent has to be over the age of 23 and be able to pass a thorough background check and have their home licensed by the state. “Foster parents are reimbursed for having children in their homes,” said Hatch. “My parents have been so successful because their passion is the children; their focus has never been the money. At the same time you can’t run an agency without money. Often times in social work we demonize that. We have to be able to make money. For the parents that are passionate about helping the kids, the compensation, which is approximately $30 a day per child, makes that possible.” Being a family-based business, Hatch said they strive to be there for everyone involved. “If a foster parent needs a break, we are there. If a kid needs help, we are there.” EYFS is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is located at 932 S, Main St. in Snowflake. For more information on this program, call their office at (928) 457-0259 or visit www.eagledancer.net.
