Announcements
- Important updates for anyone receiving payments from the State of Michigan. Please read carefully.
Payments made to foster care parents, private providers, adoptive parents, and service providers will be processed a new system called SIGMA (Statewide Integrated Governmental Management Applications) beginning October 3, 2017.
- 2017 Foster, Adoptive, Kinship Parent Conference
Join the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Statewide Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Parent Collaborative Council at the 2017 Foster, Adoptive, Kinship Parent Conference.
Support is Available
You're not alone when you become a foster parent. If you need assistance, there are financial resources and entire communities that can - and want to - offer you a helping hand.
Financial Support
Financial support is available for foster families. The amount is based on the child's age and certain services provided to the child. Review the MDHHS Foster Care Rates for a detailed overview.
Additional reimbursement may be available based on your needs when a child comes into your care. Contact your local agency for details.
Support Groups
The Foster Care Navigator Program provides support services to prospective and current foster parents. Foster Care Navigators are available to mentor and guide you through the process of becoming and growing as a foster parent. Foster Care Navigators are trained and experienced current and former foster parents.
Whether you have been a Foster parent for several years or you are just inquiring about becoming a foster parent, the benefits of having a Navigator are invaluable. Navigators work with both the State of Michigan and private agencies to support the continuing growth of Michigan's foster parent population. Visit them online at www.fcnp.org or call them at 855-MICHKIDS.
In addition, we recommend you take advantage of the numerous community and faith-based support groups across the state. These groups are comprised of foster parents who truly understand the process and, more importantly, will celebrate your successes and help you navigate the challenges. Here are a couple to get you started:
- Fostering Forward Michigan is a social community that provides support and encouragement to families of foster children. Visit them online at www.fosteringforwardmi.org.
- The National Foster Parent Association's open forums to read, ask questions, and share information about being a foster parent: www.nfpaonline.org.
Contact your agency to find support groups in your area.
Training
- Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Caregiver Training and Note Sheet. You must complete the Note Sheet and provide it to your licensing worker as verification that youth completed the training.
