Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do we need to build homes for foster sibling groups?
- Homes will be large with extra bathrooms. Many times siblings are separated, not because a family doesn’t want the whole group, but because the family doesn’t have enough space in their own home.
- Designed for optimum supervision. Custom built homes will allow for optimum supervision and space needs unique to large sibling placements.
- Strategic placement. Most of the homes will be built in pairs, near a sponsor or “anchor church”. This allows for the two families to support one another on their fostering journey, and creates discipleship opportunities for the church.
Anchor Church Discipleship
Various types of support and programs may include…
Before homes are built:
- Fundraising support
- Land donation
- Meeting space for community presentations
After homes are built:
- Mother’s Day Out
- Foster Grandparents
- Easter, Christmas and Back-to-School Parties
- Support Groups, with child care
- Volunteer Maintenance Support
- Lawnmowing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Would the donated land remain the property of the Church?
A: The Conference Chancellor advised the preference would be to deed the property to Circle of Care with a reversion clause stating the property and all improvements would revert to the ownership of the church if either Circle of Care dissolved or the property could no longer be used in its intended use, a supported foster home for sibling groups. However, we might also consider a long-term lease under suitable circumstances.
Q: Would the Circle of Care expect on-going financial support from our church for this project?
A: We would certainly encourage the church to support the foster family in every way possible as an outreach of your discipleship, but the financial support of the foster homes would remain the responsibility of Circle of Care. Part of our capital campaign is an endowment for on-going support and maintenance
Q: Would these foster parents be employees of the Circle of Care?
A: No. These foster parents would be recruited, trained and supported by the Circle of Care. But, they would be volunteer foster parents just the same as a community foster home, albeit with additional support.
Q: What additional support would these families receive?
A: All housing costs including utilities and maintenance is met by the Circle of Care. Initial and on-going clothing allotments are provided, community involvement funds, and stipend for alternative caregivers is provided twice monthly (four days per month). All these funds are non-taxable. Community support groups, use of the clothing coop, training , special events, school supplies and other supports are provided in partnership with anchor churches.
Q: Who will be responsible for supervising the home?
A: A Circle of Care Family Specialist will be assigned to each home and will make monthly visits to the home to make sure the family is supported and the children are being well cared for. In addition, our maintenance team from other parts of the state will do a facility walk-through on a bi-annual basis to make sure the home is being properly cared for. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services will also have a Permanency Worker visiting the foster children of the home on a monthly basis.
Q: Will the family be required to attend the Methodist church and/or be a member of a Methodist church?
A: We will attempt to recruit a member family from the local Methodist churches first and foremost. If a member family cannot be identified within the Methodist church, we will seek to recruit a Christian family from the community. If they are not Methodist and are actively involved in their own church, we will not make it a requirement to attend the Methodist church.
Q: Are background checks and references run prior to a family moving into a Circle of Care home?
A: Yes. Numerous background checks, references, and a complete home study/assessment will be completed on any potential family prior to them moving into the Circle of Care home.
Q: What happens if the parents adopt the foster children in their care?
A: When a foster family can care for two or less foster children due to a change in their family make-up, i.e. adoption, birth of a child or other change of circumstance, they will be notified of the need to re-locate and given sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements. Our experience is that 30-90 days suffice for this purpose.
Q: What are the zoning requirements for the property, i.e. commercial, residential, mixed use?
A: Single family residential zoning.
Q: When do you expect to break ground? How long will home construction take?
A:Depending upon the site, construction could take between 3-6 months. Active fundraising should be completed by June 2018, construction to follow. Some areas may move forward sooner, if resources and community involvement allow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of nearby churches who are NOT anchor churches
Q: If we don't have land, or resources for land, to donate, how else might we support the Legacy of Care campaign?
A: There are multiple ways to support this effort from raising funds and community awareness, to actual support activities for the foster families when the homes are complete:
- Mother’s Day Out
- Foster Grandparents
- Easter, Christmas and Back-to-School Parties
- Support Groups, with child care
- Volunteer Maintenance Support
- Lawnmowing
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