Recruitment and Retention 622-05-07

(NEW 6/1/22 ML #3677)

View Archives

 

 

ND Recruitment and Retention State Plan highlights coalitions work diligently to create opportunities for prospective applicants to learn more about being a licensed foster care provider. Recruitment and Retention efforts are required of all parties; from licensed foster care providers, to custodial case managers, licensing specialists, licensing coordinators, agency leaders, community members, etc.

 

Statewide Work Group:

The ND Statewide Foster and Adopt Recruitment and Retention Work Group was created in April 2020. This format offered a more consistent statewide representation of agency staff and partners. The goal of the work group is to review the Recruitment and Retention State Plan, analyze data, address systemic issues, while meeting additional requests of the Department. The work group meets quarterly and is facilitated by the CFS Licensing Unit.

 

Foster Care Provider Task Force:

The ND Foster Care Provider Task Force was created in February 2022. This format offered a platform for Children and Family Services to solicit feedback, gain perspective, request assistance on small projects, while engaging subject-matter experts in system change and growth opportunities. The Task Force meets at least quarterly and is facilitated by the CFS Licensing Unit.

 

Coalitions:

The purpose of local coalitions is to gather partners to engage in conversation and support for the recruitment and retention of foster care providers as well as adoptive families. The statewide goal is to continue to offer education and awareness surrounding the need for families to open their hearts and homes to children in need of safe placement. Each coalition is inclusive of various agencies including the CFS Licensing Unit, CFS Training Center (UND), Human Service Zones, Tribal Nations, Licensed Child Placing Agencies (LCPA), Division of Juvenile Services (DJS) and others. These agencies should active participants at each meeting. Coalitions are encouraged to secure:

  1. Local business leaders with an interest in advertising,
  2. Faith-based and volunteer organizations (Churches, Lions Club, Kiwanis, etc.) driven to engage as supports, as well as
  3. Foster care providers and adoptive families who have a solution-focused mindset, creativity and desire to assist in messaging, ongoing recognition and support to the child welfare system.

Inquiries:

Information related to foster care and adoption recruitment and retention can be found by accessing the Department of Human Services’ website at: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/childfamily/fostercare/ or by calling the North Dakota Toll Free Recruitment and Retention line at 1-833-FST-HOME (1-833-378-4663). The inquiry line is managed by the CFS Training Center (UND) contracted to support statewide recruitment and retention efforts. CFSTC manages the local coalitions, marketing, advertising, social media outreach, online support groups, foster parent spotlight stories, informational panel discussions, booths, event organization, appreciation requests, and more.