CaringCouple|If you build it, They will come.|68.121.245.222|yes|yes|1066346582|

We found our first position though a site advertised in a Social Worker publication. We later came across this site and found that they advertise her as well.
Our 2nd position was found because of an ad they had posted here. We had also subscribed to Mike's list at the time and accomplished 7 interviews before making a decision. All but one with companies on Mike's list or ads here.

Our current position is one for which we were actively recruited. By going to trainings outside the agency we met others doing what we do and began to "network". Someone found out about us from one of their employees and we were contacted and ended up finding a program a bit better than the one we left.

As with ANY job, with House Parenting, the time and money you invest in additional training, seminars, etc makes you a more marketable commodity. You teach it to the kids so practice some of it and invest in your future as well.

Don't sit around whining or waiting for someone else to do it for you.

A LOT of agencies will hire any warm set of bodies that can pass a background check. Some tend to prefer those who know NOTHING that they can control and manipulate easier.

But with any of the more structured and financially successful agencies (usually exhibited by growth) they are a bit more selective and your educational background will find you the better paid positions.

There are many inexpensive seminars. I paid $25 for a 4 hour course Tuesday in Behavior Management and $20 for a 4 hour course today in "Safely Driving a Passenger Van" (Insurance companies want to see this kind of stuff).

Many churches and Civic Organizations offer free training and parenting classes as well. They can all be used to build your resume.

An excellant source of training is Foster Parenting Classes. I've found 3 agencies that will let us sit in on classes because we are "thinking" of becoming Foster Parents". When your kids leave you that is where they some times go so it's nice knowing how they are prepared.

Yes it takes time.

Yes it takes a small investment sometimes on your part


But it also pays off financially if that is important to you.
If you are young or have 0 experience it can mean the difference between a minimum wage or voluntary "missionary" position vs a $12.50 an hour Child Care Worker position or even a $60K plus overhead and full benefits kind of job.

It also pays off in areas where you can do the most good sometimes. We work with VERY difficult kids. Kids that would have been institutionalized a few years ago and are so in other states. The training has certainly helped us feel more comfortable in assisting them with their needs and helping them solve their problems.

Katryn|If you build it, They will come.|65.170.38.10|yes|yes|1068409766|

Great Advice, thank you.

I think people get into houseparenting and end up in what we call "an Island named student home"

We find it difficult to even get together with fellow houseparents here, let alone others from different facilities.

But, this is a definite must, not just to keep your training up, and yourself more marketable...but to keep yourself sane.