For those looking to make a difference in the lives of children, becoming a foster parent provides a rewarding opportunity to help a child in need. Youth Villages is looking for caring adults in the Bartlett area to open their hearts and homes as foster parents to children who have suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Youth Villages will offer two free orientation sessions for those interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent. The orientation sessions will be on these dates:
- 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6
Youth Villages will also offer two sets of free training classes to teach new foster parents how to address a child’s emotional and behavioral problems, as well as parenting and discipline techniques.
Free training classes will be on these dates:
- 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Sept. 9
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning Sept. 13
All orientation sessions and training classes will be held at the Youth Villages office, 5515 Shelby Oaks Drive, Memphis. Foster parents provide children with a safe, comfortable environment and monitor their emotional growth, school progress and physical health. They also serve as positive role models to children who may lack caring adults in their lives.
Foster parents care for children until they can return to their birth families or an adoptive family is found for them. Youth Villages provides foster parents with 24-hour access to counselors, support groups and a monthly stipend to offset the cost of adding a child to the home.
Foster parents also often have the first right to adopt if the child becomes available for adoption.
Foster parents should be over the age of 25 and residents of Tennessee. Foster parents should have viable income, reliable transportation and be able to pass a background check and home study.
For more information about the upcoming training classes or how you can change the life of a child, contact Genesha Dorris, foster parent recruiter, at (901) 252-7648 or email genesha.dorris@youthvillages.org
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