Natural Helpers

Natural Helpers...

A Natural Helper is a friend, relative, or neighbor who provides voluntary help to the Foster Parent for the foster children in their care.

Required Forms

Copy of Drivers License and Insurance

Agrees to an informal home visit by DFCS

Who Is a Natural Helper?

  • Has a relationship with the foster family for 3 years or is a relative of the foster family
  • DFCS completes local criminal history check on the adults (18 and older) in the home (if there is a notation on the check of history in another state, fingerprints checks required).
  • DFCS completes CPS, Sexual Offender Registry, Pardons & Parole and Department of Correction's screenings.
  • Natural Helper is provided information about and agrees to the terms noted and signs a DFCS confidentiality statement.
  • Natural Helper is provided information about and agrees to comply with and signs the DFCS Form 29, Foster Parent Child Safety Agreement.
  • Foster parent provides information regarding the foster child’s special needs to the Natural Helper.
  • Natural Helpers who transport children can be covered under the DHR Volunteer Vehicle Liability Insurance after they register as county volunteers by completing Volunteer Services Form 5298 and a current driver’s license and car insurance is verified.
  • Natural Helper gives copy of drivers license and insurance
  • Natural Helper agrees to an informal home visit by DFCS

What Does a Natural Helper Do?

  • Natural Helpers may provide un-reimbursed substitute routine care for foster children as a support service for foster families.
  • Natural Helpers may care for children in their home or at the foster parent’s home.
  • Natural Helpers may care for children when a foster parent has an emergency, wants to go on a date, has to go out of town for the night, or the Helper wants to take the children to the circus – spontaneous substitute care.
  • Natural Helpers may provide care, for example, during an overnight slumber party or weekend camping trip – planned substitute care.
  • Natural Helpers plans to include foster children in their family trips must be in compliance with policies in the DFCS Foster Parent Manual, revised May 2006.

How Does Someone Become a Natural Helper?

  • Foster families select one or more potential Natural Helpers; ensuring that potential Natural Helpers meet the requirements.
  • Foster family has potential Natural Helpers complete Natural Helper Pre-Screening Form and all other Forms; provides all forms and copies of drivers license and car insurance to Foster Parent Liaison.
  • DFCS completes criminal background check and other screenings.
  • DFCS does an informal in home visit with Natural Helper
  • The Foster Parent Liaison gets approval from DFCS and informs foster parent about approved Natural Helpers.
  • Natural Helper care service begins.