Support in Your Journey

Mentoring will give new foster families the tools and support necessary to navigate through their first placement in foster care, giving them the confidence for years of successful fostering.

Newly-licensed foster homes and kinship families are not alone! There is someone to help with the day-to-day challenges of caring for children in foster care—what to do when you receive a new placement, navigating the system, and building a positive relationship with DCFS and birth families.

Research confirms that quality-mentoring relationships have powerful and positive effects in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects people to personal growth and development as well as social and economic opportunity.

Click below to learn more about mentoring, to become a mentor, or to request a mentor.

 

Mentors must have experience working with biological families towards reunification and commit to mentoring at least two families throughout the first year of their placement. Please provide as much detail as possible about the experience you would bring to the mentorship role, by completing this application.

Any first-time foster parent may apply to receive mentoring services. You may also apply if you are current foster family who has had several placements—or has taken on a higher level of care—and need additional support.

Mentors are seasoned foster parents who have knowledge based on experience with children placed in their homes and training.

Mentor Resources

Mentors will have resources readily available for new families with specific information related to the age of the child, including DCFS and Court Contacts, Medical Resources, Community Resources and personal Support.

What do mentors do?

Mentors offer support in two areas…

Foster Parent Development & Support

  • Promote knowledge and skills
  • Resources
  • Advocacy
  • Networking
  • Working with birth families
  • Team building skills
  • Where to find training

Crisis Support & Networking

  • Respite relief
  • Crisis support and resources
  • Connecting with other foster parents
  • Safety Plans
  • Building coping skills