Persons interested in exploring foster parenthood are encouraged to register for a upcoming 10-week course provided free of charge by Saint Francis Community Services, starting Oct. 7, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2101 Jackson Street, in Great Bend.
The course, Partnering for Safety and Permanence – Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (PS-MAPP) is designed to help persons make an informed decision about becoming a resource family for children in foster care or adoption programs. The State of Kansas requires that all potential foster parents complete PS-MAPP training.
According to Saint Francis Foster Care Home Licensing Specialist Emily Durr, there is a significant need for new foster homes throughout Barton County. Nearly 90 Barton County children are in foster care, but most of them must stay in homes outside the county because there aren’t enough local foster families to accommodate them. About30 new foster families are needed to help house local children closer to home.
The PS-MAPP program provides information and skill development for prospective foster parents and helps them gain a better understanding of the needs of children in foster care. Course participants are also given information about resources for foster parents, parenting techniques and available support services.
Persons interested in registering for the class can do so by calling 620-793-7454, ext. 132, or by going online to www.st-francis.org.