Why become a Foster Parent with SOS Illinois?At SOS Illinois we are committed to keeping brothers and sisters in foster care together by providing safe, stable, and loving homes. We do this by offering an innovative approach to traditional foster care. Our model of care provides a private, single-family home, access to a community center, and support from professionally trained Foster Parents and staff. With this, the children we serve benefit from the stability of remaining with their siblings as well as the support of neighboring SOS Illinois Foster Parents and the entire community.

What are our Foster Parent Benefits?

• Competitive Healthcare plans through BCBS for you and your dependents (eligible the first of the following month after 30 of full-time employment)
• Vision/Dental/Life Insurance offerings
• Flexible PTO (paid time off in the form of vacation days, sick time, personal days, and weekly Relief time)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan (nonprofit version of 401K). Able to contribute immediately upon full-time employment. In addition, the organization will contribute 4% to your savings plan after 12 months of full-time employment regardless of if you are contributing
• Part of the federal student loan forgiveness program
• Access to financial advisors and financial education tools
• Tuition reimbursement options and opportunities for further education as well as time to attend trainings/workshops/etc. for personal/professional development 
• Performance reviews, coaching and mentoring
• Corporate culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Work for an impactful organization with a purpose
• The salaried rate ($25,000/year base salary plus bonus potential pending eligibility) is offered as part of a full benefits package for the full-time Foster Parent position that is not offered to part-time Relief Parents or Foster Parent Trainees (who are paid at an hourly rate of $15.40/hr). It includes room and board, the opportunity to qualify for healthcare benefits (after 90 days of full-time employment), and a retirement savings plan in addition to the salary. 

What does being a Foster Parent entail?

1. Providing a healthy, clean, safe and secure home environment for up to 6 children of any age and background.
2. Ensuring that the children receive proper care, including medical, dental, emotional, educational, etc.
3. Working with a team of others and acting as the primary advocate for the children in your care, including attending parental and/or sibling visits, court visits, meetings, and related conferences as required.
4. Maintain timely and accurate records such as household budget, children's progress records, health records and periodic evaluations.
5. Participate in on-going training and maintaining current certifications such as first aid and CPR, TCI, Med. Administration, etc.
6. Comply with all SOS Illinois policies, state, federal, county and city laws, rules and regulations.

What qualifications are needed to become a Foster Parent with SOS Illinois?

• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clear driving record
• DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) background clearance
• DCFS medical clearance
• Must be at least 25 years of age
• If applicable, must adhere to the policy of bringing only up to two dependents into the Village home
• Must be willing to relocate and reside in an SOS home at one of our three Villages: Lockport Village, Chicago Village, or Roosevelt Square Village
• Must be willing to commit to three years or more of service as a full-time, live-in professional Foster Parent
• Must be willing and able to work in a drug, tobacco, alcohol, and firearm free environment 

What qualities are we looking for in a Foster Parent?

• Experienced with children, either as parents or by working with children in another environment
• Adept at supporting the needs of behaviorally complex children with a history of mental, emotional, or physical trauma
• Able to discipline fairly without the use of corporal punishment and willing to learn behavior-management skills
• Skilled in managing a household and a budget
• Self-sufficient thinkers with a collaborative spirit and positive outlook on life