Pathways, MI has provided placement, care and supervision in licensed homes, through both generalized and specialized foster care services for over 80 years! We're here to help you explore this amazing opportunity to impact the lives of children, youth and teens.
Approximately 14,000 Michigan children are in foster care at any given time. We need your help to provide a safe, nurturing home for these children until they can be returned to their families. When children cannot be returned to their homes, foster parents are often asked to provide permanent homes.
5 EASY STEPS TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT!
1- CONTACT US
Call one of our Foster Care Licensors to get started.
Holland- Catherine Brink at (616) 396-2301
Muskegon- Anita Barrett at (231) 777-2222
They will be able to answer all of your questions and provide guidance along your journey to becoming a foster parent.
2- ATTEND AN ORIENTATION
Our licensors will schedule an orientation to fit your schedule! You will review the licensing guidelines and help you to better understand what it means to be a foster parent. They will answer any questions that you may have.
3- COMPLETE THE ORIENTATION
After orientation, we will provide you with a licensing application packet to complete which includes: criminal background check (Licensing Record Clearance Request BCAL-1326 form), provide medical statements for your family, provide letters of recommendation and complete other requested paperwork with your licensor
4- PARTICIPATE IN A HOME STUDY
Before welcoming a foster child into your home, you must pass an on-site home evaluation performed by the Foster Care Licensor from Pathways, MI. We will will meet with your family several times for on-site home visits and interviews. After you attend orientation and submit your application, we will schedule your first home visit.
5- ATTEND FREE TRAINING
We will help you schedule PRIDE training which offers valuable information to make sure you are ready to become a foster parent. Every licensed foster parent needs to complete 12 hours of PRIDE training. Once you are licensed, you have 18 months to complete an additional 12 hours of PRIDE training.
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Foster children need caring individuals who can provide a safe and nurturing home. The primary goal during foster care is to reunite the child with his or her parents. This can take some time - we need caring adults who are willing to provide stability and safety for children in their care. We need YOU!
Holland- Catherine Brink at (616) 396-2301
