Everyone needs a break. Especially foster parents.
Alternative Care
Did you know foster parents can’t just call up a sitter when they need a break? Alternative Care providers are certified volunteers required to provide short-term childcare for foster parents.
Imagine a parent needing childcare so he/she can attend a meeting, training, or doctor’s appointment… or how about just to get a short, but much needed, break!
Imagine having a child in your home whose trauma causes behaviors so challenging that you are not sure you can keep going.
Unfortunately, this is the real, hard truth of foster care for both the kids and the foster families caring for them. We are building up an army of Alternative Care Providers who can help care for these kiddos for a short time to give our foster parents a much-needed respite from the front lines. There are three types of Alternative Care Providers: babysitters, overnight care providers, and respite care providers.
Provider Requirements:
Complete an Alternative Care Application
CPR/First Aid Training*
Background Check w/Social Security Card & Driver’s License
Attend the Sanctuary Alternative Care Class
Additional Trainings as needed
How to get started:
In order to complete the training and certification process to ensure that you are certified to become a provider for children in foster care and you are interested to taking the next step in supporting our foster families:
Step 1: Contact our Alternative Care Coordinator to begin the application process
Step 2: Complete the Alternative Care Application, including background check and fingerprints*
Step 3: Complete CPR/First Aid Certification*
Step 4: Schedule your Alternative Care class with the Alternative Care Coordinator
*CPR/First Aid Training: Please see our Foster Parent Training Calendar to schedule a class or view alternative training options located at the top of the calendar. Upon completion, please send your card to the Alternative Care & Respite Coordinator
*Fingerprints are determined by the Central Background Check Unit and you may be required upon background check completion
Alternative Care Providers step in to offer parents respite as they provide permanency and healing for their foster child.
