Youth Unlimited is actively seeking individuals or couples interested in becoming foster parents.

There are so many misconceptions about what a foster parent, foster family, or child within foster care look like.

So what does a foster parent or foster family look like? Likely, a lot like you. Someone who is human, yet cares. Someone who is white, black, a combination of ethnicities, single, in either a traditional or non-traditional relationship, or has biological children. The one similarity that all foster families share is wanting to make a difference in a child’s life.

What does a child within foster care look like? It’s simple, they look like any other child you might see in the grocery store, at school, or riding their bike on the road. Most children in foster care, though many times have been through something traumatic, are children that simply need love, support, stability, and a place they feel safe. They are children with feelings, who love toys, are smart, energetic, and can be loving.

Where do you come in? YU… Becoming a foster parent means CHANGING A LIFE FOREVER! When you decide to care for a child, you make a difference in that child’s life.

Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing process for you as well. During your pre-service training with Youth Unlimited, you will learn about the foster care system, how it works and if it is right for you and your family. Our goal is to give you the skills needed to be the most effective caregiver possible. You will receive:

• 42 hours of specialized pre-service training.
• Behavior Management Training.
• Training in clinical needs of foster kids.
• Input in the pre-placement matching process.
• 24-hour intervention services and support.
• A case manager assigned to your home.
• In-home supervision and support.
• Tax-free monthly reimbursement.
• Involvement in case planning and decisions.

Foster Parent Requirements:

• Candidates must be at least 21 years old.
• Candidates may be single adults or married couples.
• Candidates must be financially stable.

Foster Parent Candidates must:

• Undergo application process and home study.
• Undergo healthcare registry check.
• Pass fingerprint and criminal background check.
• Undergo physical exam.
• Possess ability to work with children.
• Be able to provide a safe and healthy environment.
• Re-license every two years.

Team Approach

As a Youth Unlimited foster parent, you will become part of a team that works to reunite families and create families. Each child’s situation is unique. The foster parent is an essential piece in ensuring that each child has a permanent place that best fits his or her needs.

As a professional caregiver you will be involved in shared parenting, making smooth transitions between placements and the satisfaction of giving children a more secure future.

Foster parents work closely with Youth Unlimited’s program staff as part of a transition plan which provides for the most successful placement.

For more information, call Kelley Foster Blackwell at 336-883-1361.

Not everyone can foster, or contribute financially, but anyone can help. Help is always wanted, needed, and appreciated. There are so many ways you can get involved – check it out:

Request that your company host a Donation Drive. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
1 – YU delivers boxes and provides email communication to distribute to employees.
2 – Your company hosts drive for 2-3 weeks while employees contribute goods and supplies to the donation boxes.
3 – YU picks up all donations and drive materials, and thanks your company with a social media shout-out! To organize, call Carla at 336.803.1334

Get a group together – perhaps work colleagues, a church group, or group of friends – and volunteer a Saturday to help with a Closet Clean Up! YU has received many donations over the years, including new and hand-me-down clothes, old and broken toys, etc. In order to best match and provide children with their needs in the way of clothes, shoes, and other supplies, this supply must stay organized and clean. The YU staff has little time for this in between caring for children. Help children easily access what they need, and help relieve YU staff, by helping with a Closet Clean Up! To organize, call Carla at 336.803.1334

Forge a sponsorship between your company and Youth Unlimited. Reach out, introduce yourself and your company, and we’ll get in touch and do the rest! To organize, call Bobby at 336.861.9243

Invite Youth Unlimited to speak at an event. This can be a company event, community event, or church event! To organize, call Bobby at 336.861.9243

If you are interested in becoming part of the Youth Unlimited family, please fill out the below form.