LA Foster Caregiver Mentor Application

Mentor Application

Thank you for your interest in the Louisiana Foster Caregiver Mentor Program. After submitting your application you will hear back from your Foster Care Ambassador, Margie Nielsen by email. If you need more information, please email Margie- margie@louisianafostercare.com ** Completing an application does not guarantee approval. There is a process to the decision. Thank you for your consideration!
The Louisiana Foster Caregiver Mentor Program supports the natural growth of peer mentorship through processes and procedures which Methodist Foster Care has found to be helpful in creating and maintaining healthy, effective mentoring relationships among foster caregivers.
Our Mission Statement

To develop foster parent mentors who will support and empower caregivers on their foster care journey.
Mentor Qualifications

All must be complete before considered for acceptance as a mentor.
·       Current Foster parent or with recently closed home in good standing

·       2 years minimum experience as a foster parent

·       No open abuse reports or Corrective Action Plans

·       Supportive of and following the QPI philosophy of parenting to achieve permanency

·       Good communication and interpersonal skills

·       Committed to a positive approach and implementing TBRI practices

·       Acceptance to program by the Foster Care Ambassador and DCFS

· Up to date on all policy required training for foster parents

. Clear understanding of reunification as the first, primary goal and committed to supporting this.

. Clear understanding of the effects of disruption of placement for a child and committed to positive solutions to prevent disruptions when possible.

·       TBRI Fridays training is preferred and to have as a future goal.

· 1.5 hours Mentor Training after acceptance
Expectations of Mentor
· Report number of calls and topics of calls monthly-- this is imperative to the program to inform decisions made by DCFS

· Consent to being a part of a list of mentors available for calls given to foster parents

·       Be available to answer calls from a new or struggling foster parent

·       Establish a personal, working relationship with foster parents

·       Guide mentees in navigating foster care system

·       Willingly share questions or concerns with the Foster Care Ambassador in all information discussed with the mentee

· Meet monthly with other regional mentors and Foster Care Ambassador

** Utmost Confidentiality is required and expected. No information shared with you about a foster family through the LAFCMP may be shared with anyone except DCFS and your Foster Care Ambassador.

* Strive to complete TBRI Fridays
Application
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
In which Parish do you Reside?*
In which DCFS Region do you Reside?

AlexandriaBaton RougeCovingtonLafayetteLake CharlesMonroeOrleansShreveportThibodaux
Have you had the TBRI 24 hour deep dive training? (Also known as TBRI Friday's)--If you need help scheduling this training, please talk to your ambassador. **If you are a Practitioner, that certificate counts as well.*

Yes, I have a certificate from completing the 24 hour TBRI TrainingNo, I have not had the 24 hour deep dive training but plan to as soon as possible.No, I am a Mental/Behavioral Health Professional and have other credentials to discuss.
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Cell Phone Number*
Do you accept texts?*

YesNo
Home Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
E-mail*
example@example.com
Preferred method of contact:*
Best time of day for contact:*
Which applies to you?*

MarriedSingle
What is your occupation?*
How long have you been, or were you a foster parent?*
Have you adopted a child you fostered?*

yesno
Have you been or are you a kinship or fictive kin placement?*

yesno
Are you willing to mentor a recently aged out foster (or former) foster youth 24 years old or younger?*

yesno
Do you currently have an investigation open for you or a member of your your family?*

yesno
Have you requested a child to be removed from your care? If yes, please explain the circumstances in the section below. (This is not asked to judge, but to get a clear understanding of your problem solving abilities and perspective).*

yesno
IF yes, to the question above, please explain the circumstances below. Again, this is to get a clear understanding of your problem solving abilities and perspective.
What age group(s) do you feel you are best qualified to offer advice and support to new foster parents? (check all that apply)*

0-56-1213-1718-24no preference
Please check all areas in which you feel well qualified to offer advice and support to new foster parents? (check all that apply)*

Adoption through foster careBio children also in homeCourt ExperienceCultural/Religions AwarenessDifficult BehaviorsEmotional ConcernsExtended Foster CareInfo about Community ResourcesLGBTQNavigating the School SystemMedically FragileMental HealthPermanency PlanningPhysical AbuseSexual AbuseSibling GroupsSpecial NeedsSupport through Abuse InvestigationsTrauma Informed CareTrans-racial AdoptionWorking with Bio FamiliesSibling GroupsDrug Effected InfantsHealth Care ProfessionalTBRI Fridays TrainedTBRI PractitionerNICU Infant CarePolicyReimbursementsHome StudyDCFS Chain of CommandDCFS CommunicationTransitionsKinship or Fictive Kin FosterGuardianshipSpecial BoardOther
Please describe your experience and comfort level working with children of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds:*
Please describe your experience in working with biological parents and family members to help children achieve permanency. Please give examples:*
Please describe how or why you became a foster parent. What does permanency for a child mean to you?*
Are you familiar with Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI)? Please explain your knowledge and/or experience.*
Please describe how your working relationship has been with DCFS.*
Please describe how you would guide a foster parent who is having an issue with a DCFS worker or incident.*
Share any experiences you have had assisting a family in reunification.
Please describe any specific areas in which you may NOT feel comfortable providing support to new foster parents:*
I have read and understand the foster parent mentor program description and requirements. I attest that I meet all of the requirements. I am willing to share my personal experiences with new foster parents. I am willing to refer new foster parents to DCFS when necessary. I acknowledge that I cannot counsel new foster parents in legal or psychiatric matters and will refer to DCFS when these situations arise. I will, to the best of my ability, provide support to new foster parents assigned to me and follow the foster parent mentor program rules, including but not limited to confidentiality.
Signature*

Clear
Should be Empty:

Mentor Application

Our Mission Statement

Mentor Qualifications

Expectations of Mentor

Application