A Heartfelt Thank You to Professional Parents
During National Foster Care Month, RISE Services, Inc. Utah wishes to recognize the individuals who care for foster children and adults in the Beehive State. Our team is forever thankful for their commitment to Utah families and their compassion towards the individuals they welcome into their homes. Join us as we share about our amazing professional parents and why we are grateful for their significant impact on Utah’s foster children and adults.
What Are Professional Parents?
Foster parents, also called professional parents, welcome youth and adults who cannot live with their biological families into their homes. They also support children and adults with developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. These individuals have more complex needs that require specialized, individualized care. While foster parents undergo state licensure classes and training, professional parents receive additional training in behavioral, therapeutic, and medical skills to provide the highest level of care.
Why We Are Thankful for Professional Parents
Our team is incredibly thankful for the dedicated individuals who offer safe and compassionate homes for adults in their care. Professional parents love and care for foster children/adults as if they were their own. They may help them with chores or homework, buy their favorite snacks, or teach them life skills. Professional parents understand that each individual may have experienced significant trauma or challenges but gladly welcome them into their homes and families.
Why Become a Professional Parent
Each person who becomes a professional parent has done so for reasons that are unique to them. To decide whether or not professional parenting is for you, consider the questions below:
- Are you passionate about caring for youth and/or adults living with disabilities?
- Are your children grown, and do you want to support youth and adults who do not have safe and loving homes?
- Are you willing to fill in for biological family who may not be able to provide the needed environment for their loved ones?
- Do you believe all individuals, including those with disabilities and/or mental health conditions, deserve to be unconditionally loved and cared for?
Stability & Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities
If you have questions about professional parenting, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help. RISE Services, Inc. Utah offers services and supports that help families and caregivers, including foster and professional parents, who have loved ones with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Learn more about our services and programs, such as after-school and summer programs, day programs, respite foster care, supported employment, and life skills restoration.
