Changing Lives,
One Child At A Time
UCP Seguin's Children's Foster Care Department has a contract with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services to provide specialized foster care to children with complex needs from birth to 21 years of age. These children face an array of challenges such as medical disorders, mental health issues, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and trauma.
Our Goal: to create life without limits for youth in care by providing a stable support system, nurturing homes, and loving families.
Meet Your Team:
- Licensing - The Licensing department is your initial point of contact. They screen prospective foster parents to ensure they meet all regulations and requirements. They provide onboarding training to prepare foster parents for their new role. Once foster parents receive a placement, the Licensing department offers ongoing training to provide continued support and resources. The entire Licensing process is FREE to prospective foster parents.
- Training Specialists - UCP Seguin provides DCFS required training to all foster parents. In addition, we offer in-person training classes for CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care. DCFS mandated and selective trainings are also available online.
- Behavior Specialists - For children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs, a Behavior Specialist is assigned to provide direct support to both the youth and foster parents. Specialists conduct regular in-home visits to identify concerns and create a plan to modify issues. Behavior Specialists are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with crises or emergencies.
- Nursing - Registered Nurses address the medical needs of youths in care. Nurses conduct regularly scheduled in-home visits to monitor medical conditions, address any health concerns, and assist with medications. Nurses also provide assistance with medical appointments, and ensure routine medical exams (physicals, dental, vision, and hearing) are conducted in accordance medical guidance. Nurses are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with emergencies.
- Licensed Child Welfare Specialists - Child Welfare Specialists (CWS) conduct monthly visits to you and foster parents. They advocate for youth in care and biological families in court. They participate in monthly case consultations with the rest of the care team and continually monitor foster homes for safety. The CWS is responsible for evaluations, referrals for services, maintaining case files, and conducting quarterly Child and Family Team Meetings with the care team and court-assigned attorneys. Child Welfare Specialists are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with crises or emergencies.
- Respite - Fostering a child with complex needs can be a challenge. Depending on the level of care, youth may qualify for 10-20 hours of respite care each week. Respite workers assist with family visits, provide support in the home or out int he community, assist with life skills training, and provide fun activities and outings such as library visits, holiday parties, and trips to the park.
