'Professional Parent' is the term the Institute of Professional Practice uses to describe our highly trained foster parents, who we view as the backbone of our program. The training requirements include participation in a pre-service series, child specific training and general course requirements each year. Professional Parents work closely with the case coordinators, who provide support and oversight to the home. Professional Parents are asked to perform a wide variety of responsibilities for very challenging children. As such, IPP provides compensation at a rate that is commensurate with the demands that are placed on them. We have 93 licensed homes throughout the state. 50% of the homes are in Greater Hartford, 22% are in Greater Waterbury and 13% are in Greater New Haven.
(If you would like information on becoming a Professional Parent please come to our Open House Monday March 22 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at 1764 Litchfield Turnpike, Woodbridge, CT)
Thank you for your interest in the Professional Parenting Program at IPP. As you are aware, there continues to be a need for quality foster homes. Your inquiry may make it possible for a foster child to live in a loving, secure and stable home.
In addition to the other requirements, applicants must be able to respond "YES" to the following questions/statements.
- Are you at least 21 yrs. old with a valid CT driver's license?
- Do you have a HS diploma or G.E.D?
- If you work, is your current schedule first shift?
- Do you have an extra room for a foster child?
- You have never been substantiated for abuse or neglect of a child?
- Do you have a car available to you at all times that is insured?
- Do you have sufficient income to meet the needs of your family?
- If you rent, do you have a landlord's permission to have a foster child placed in your home?