The Love You Have

is needed by a child who feels like no one cares.

“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:4-5

More and more at-risk children in Kentucky have no place to call home. With your help, we can give these kids the safety and compassion they need to have a better life. Many of these children have no one. If we don’t reach out to them, who will? If you have room in your home and in your heart for a foster child, please don’t hesitate to give them what so many of us take for granted every day: a place to belong.

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Selection Criteria

Become a part of the mission of Buckhorn Children & Family Services – to provide a sanctuary of health, healing, and hope to at-risk kids – by choosing to be a treatment foster parent or family! Show these children, who have often been terribly abused and neglected, that there is goodness in the world and help them as they continue on the road to recovery, hope, and a brighter future.

  • BCFS foster parents shall be aged 21 or older (KY state regulation).
  • One parent must be available to transport the youth to and from appointments and provide care for the youth should they become ill during school hours.
  • BCFS foster parents shall demonstrate emotional and financial stability, be well-tempered, self-controlled, responsible, and have a good sense of humor.
  • Foster/adoptive homes shall not be used simultaneously for any other social service such as a day care center or home for the elderly, unless prior approval is given by the director.
  • BCFS foster parents must be willing to work closely and cooperatively with the Case Manager and the Treatment Team in learning how to carry out treatment and parenting procedures.
  • BCFS foster parents must have transportation, maintain adequate vehicle insurance on any vehicle they own, and have a telephone.
  • BCFS foster parents will provide transportation* for medical and dental appointments, counseling sessions, school, community, and other recreational activities that are deemed necessary for the welfare of the child.
  • Foster/adoptive parents will complete daily documentation/progress notes and medication logs.
*NOTE:
BCFS foster parents are expected to use the money from the per diem to pay for expenses incurred when providing this transportation. Foster parents may be reimbursed for expenses incurred when transporting youth long distances when appropriate and only with prior approval from the Program Manager and the legal guardian/state worker.

To become a foster parent or a foster family, you will need to:

  • Complete application and interviews.
  • Submit all requested information.
  • Complete training.

Guidelines

  • The home shall be accessible to schools, recreation, churches, medical care, and community facilities.
  • The premises shall be free from objects, materials, and conditions which constitute a danger to the occupants.
  • Play area(s) are provided both in and out of doors and suited to the age needs of the youth in the home.
  • The home shall have sanitary and working equipment for the safe preparation, storage, serving, and cleaning of foods.
  • The home shall have a comfortable dining area furnished with sufficient furniture so that all members of the household can eat together.
  • The home shall have a sufficient living or family room area, a minimum of one flush toilet, one wash basin with running water, one bathtub or shower with hot and cold water, and items necessary for personal hygiene and grooming.
  • The home shall have bedroom space to allow individual occupants sufficient living space. Beds must be age and size-appropriate for the youth placed. Adequate storage space will be allotted for the foster youth’s personal belongings.

  • The home shall be clean and free of hazards to the health and physical well being of the family.
  • The home shall have a continuous supply of clean drinking water, and all plumbing shall be kept in working order.
  • The home shall have an adequate supply of hot water for bathing and dishwashing.
  • The water supply and sanitation of the home must comply with all requirements of local health authorities.
  • The home must be free of rodents and insects.

  • Foster parents must immediately report any changes within the home that may affect the safety, well being, and/or treatment of the youth in care to their Case Manager, Program Manager, or other agency representative when unable to reach one of the above. (Such changes may include structural damages, the addition or removal of a household member, divorce/marriage, addition of a pet, play area, swimming pool, etc.).
  • The home shall be well-heated and well-ventilated.
  • A telephone or other means for immediate access to communication with the outside community shall be available.
  • Ammunition and unloaded firearms shall be locked up in separate places. Firearms and other such weapons must be kept in a locked cabinet/closet at all times. A foster child is not permitted to come in contact with firearms or other such weapons without prior permission from the youth’s legal guardian and the youth’s successful completion of an approved Hunter’s Safety Course. At no time will a youth in Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)/Adoption Services (AS) be permitted to own a firearm.
  • The home shall be free from fire hazards, such as faulty electric cords and appliances, unsafe fireplaces and chimneys, and/or inside accumulations of clutter and/or trash.
  • Operating smoke alarms/detectors on each level of the home and a portable ABC-type fire extinguisher in the cooking area of the home are required.
  • Combustible items shall be stored away from heat sources.
  • All home heating units and other hot surfaces shall be shielded against accidental contact. Foster parents who have solid fuel heating stoves, systems, and fireplaces are expected to have them properly installed, maintained, and operated.
  • The home shall have carbon monoxide detectors when gas/kerosene-type heat or a gas cooking stove is used in the home. Carbon monoxide detectors will also be required if you have a garage that is attached to the living quarters.
  • All foster family homes shall have two doors that provide unrestricted exits, in case of fire. Occupied bedrooms may not be locked from the outside. Foster parents shall have an evacuation and disaster plan and share it with each youth. Fire drills are required to be completed monthly; disaster drills must be completed quarterly.

Learn More

about the Treatment Foster Care & Adoption Program at Buckhorn Children & Family Services!

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Ready to share your home and life with one or more of our children? Let us know! Our R & C Specialist is available to answer your questions, provide more information about training, and to guide you through the process.

Natasha Ratliff

Recruitment and Certification Specialist

Office Phone: 606-398-7000
Toll-Free: 1-800-472-3678
Fax: 606-398-5038

Email: natasha.ratliff@buckhorn.org

Share the Love!

Contact me if you are interested in becoming a foster, adoptive, or respite parent with Buckhorn Children & Family Services (BCFS).

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