Current foster parents who do not work for your Department can provide additional empathy and perspectives that can help new families decide to sign up, or decide to expand their training or placement preferences. Hiring current foster parents to assist as co-trainers in new or continuing trainings (or for orientations or early home visits) may also help retain the foster parents who are hired.
Work with your HR department to develop contracts for hiring and paying current foster parents.
Set clear expectations early about the role(s) for hired foster parents at trainings or other events. They should complement, not replace, experienced trainers and staff.
2 of 54 states and territories have implemented this recommendation.