1. Fostering A Teen “Take Our Youth Back Home” By Ashton Howell

2. Mount Bethel Human Services Our Mission: To help low and moderate income families through community development activities by providing social services programs that meet their needs Mount Bethel Human Services Corporation, Inc. (MBHSC is a 501 (C) (3), non profit, faith-based organization which was founded in 1993. Initially organized to address the issues of minority over representation in the juvenile justice system, MBHSC has expanded to respond to issues of Foster Care, Family Reunification Services, Child Care Assistance, Emergency Food Pantry, Parenting and Neighborhood Empowerment

3. Foster Home Management FHM is a program designed to provide children who have been removed from their homes as a result of abuse neglect or abandonment with a stable nurturing environment where they can develop to their fullest potential. Mount Bethel Human Services believes that if children have to be removed from their homes, they could best benefit from some stability through familiarity. Therefore, Foster Home Management is the next line in our continuum of care in order to ensure safety, permanency and the well being of children.

4.  This month alone, approximately 150 children in Broward and 80 in Palm Beach will be removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.

5. Things We May Tell Ourselves about Fostering  “I am not married so I didn’t think I could foster”  “I don’t know the process to become a foster parent”  “I don’’t have my life in order to be a good foster parent”  “I don’t own my home so I can’t bring in a foster child”  “I can’t afford bringing in (another) child to foster ”

6. The Truth about the Things We Tell Ourselves  You do NOT have to be married to foster.  The process is easier than you think (That’s where we come in!)  You may be a perfect fit to foster regardless of what you may believe. All a child needs is love and support.  You can foster a child rather you own or rent a home or an apartment as long as you have adequate space.  You will be compensated for the expenses of the child.

7. Opening your home will change a life forever But without your home, these children & teens will be exposed to…

8. Gang Life

9. Drug and Alcohol Abuse

10. Higher STD Rates and Teen Pregnancy

11. Peer Pressure

12. Sex Trafficking

13. Think about yourself when you were a Teenager… What were your wants and needs?

14. As a teen I wanted: 1.___________ 2.____________ 3.___________ 4.____________ As a teen I needed: 1.___________ 2.____________ 3.___________ 4.____________

15. As a Foster Parent, You will Give:  Self  Time  Support  Family  Services  Life  Skills  Knowledge But most importantly…

16.  LOVE “The more people we love, the greater humanity becomes” -Anthony Douglas Williams

17. General Requirements Clear background Space in your Home Stable/Sufficient Income Valid Driver’s License Pre Service Training Completion

18. Assistance for Foster Parents As A Mount Bethel Foster Parent, you will receive the following assistance to care for your child or youth:  Medicaid Insurance (Covering medical, Dental, Prescriptions)  Childcare Subsidy  WIC-youth 0-5 years old (covers formula, milk, cereal, cheese)  Monthly Cash Subsidy  24 Hour Support/Assistance  Ongoing Training and Preparation Classes

19. Steps to becoming a Foster parent Get your questions answered by a Foster Care Recruitment Specialist And get connected with a foster home management agency... Next: You will attend MAPP pre-service training on becoming a foster parents. During this time, you will be introduced to the foster care system and learn How to care for a foster child, your caregiver rights and responsibilities and our agency’s supportive services. While attending pre-service training, you will complete the other foster care licensing requirements including a home study. Finally, Once the licensing process is complete, you will be prepared and Ready to welcome foster children into your home!

20. Mount Bethel Human Services Foster Home Management team is here to support you every step of the way! Always feel free to give us a call, we are here to support our families!

21. Any Questions?

22. Spread The Word  Family  Friends  Church  Work  Social Groups We will come to you…

23. Why not open your home and become a loving foster parent?