Overview

Oregon Community Programs is looking for caring adults and families in Oregon who are interested in becoming certified foster parents for children and teens who need structure, support, encouragement, and a safe place to grow.The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications. This is not an employment position. Foster parents are volunteer certified caregivers who receive reimbursement when a child is placed in their care and receive training, ongoing support, and a monthly tax-free reimbursement through Oregon Community Programs when a child is placed in their care. If you have ever thought, "I could be that person for a kid," this may be the opportunity you have been looking for. About Oregon Community Programs Oregon Community Programs is a private nonprofit agency that has provided research-based services to children, youth, and families since 1983.OCP specializes in treatment foster care, which means our foster parents are part of a larger team. You are not expected to do this alone. OCP provides training, guidance, regular support, and 24/7 access to staff when you need help, have questions, or need support caring for the youth in your home. What Foster Parents Do OCP foster parents provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child or teen while helping them build skills, routines, confidence, and connection. Foster parents work closely with OCP staff and the child's team to support the youth's individual needs. This may include: Providing a consistent and caring home environment Helping a child or teen build daily routines and life skills Supporting school attendance, appointments, activities, and community connection Participating as part of the child's support team Attending training and foster parent support meetings Helping youth feel accepted, respected, and supported Being a steady adult during an important season of a young person's life Who We're Looking For You do not need to be perfect. You do not need to have fostered before. You do need to be caring, dependable, open to learning, and willing to work as part of a team.OCP welcomes foster parent applicants of every race and ethnicity, culture, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, family structure, and age who meet certification requirements. You may be a good fit if you are: 21 years of age or older Single, married, partnered, divorced, retired, or widowed Able to provide adequate space for a child or teen Financially stable outside of foster care reimbursement Able to provide safe and reliable transportation In good physical and mental health Willing to complete training, paperwork, background checks, and a home study Able to work as a team with OCP staff, service providers, and others involved in the child's care Accepting and affirming of LGBTQIA+ and marginalized youth Because OCP foster parents receive regular in-person support, training, and team connection, applicants must live within approximately one hour of our Eugene office. Foster parents can be people with children, people without children, couples, single adults, empty nesters, and people from many different life experiences. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing home. Support and Reimbursement OCP foster parents receive: A generous monthly tax-free reimbursement when a child is placed in your care 24/7 support from OCP staff Training and guidance throughout the certification process Ongoing foster parent support meetings Monthly respite opportunities Holiday help and access to free or discounted community resources Support from a team that wants both you and the youth in your home to succeedBecause OCP specializes in treatment foster care, foster parents are reimbursed at a higher rate than typical foster care. Certification Process OCP will guide you through the process at your pace. Certification generally includes: An initial screening Application paperwork Background checks fo