Foster Families

Guardians ad Litem

Individuals appointed by the court to represent, in a particular lawsuit, the interests of minors, people judged to be incompetent or people unborn or unascertained who may have a future interest in the property involved in the litigation. These special guardians may also serve as advocates for dependent children pending settlement of their cases in dependency court; and are usually attorneys but may also be court appointed special advocates (CASA volunteers).

Placements for Children and Youth

Programs that provide alternative living arrangements for children and youth who have been neglected, abused or abandoned, who have had contact with the juvenile justice system, or who have a disability, and are no longer able to live with their families; or which conduct an evaluation of current placements to determine whether a change is warranted.

Baby Clothing

Programs that pay for or provide new or secondhand clothing and layettes for infants and young children.

School Clothing

Programs that pay for or provide new or secondhand clothing or school uniforms for children who need something appropriate to wear to school.

Cooking Classes

Programs that provide instruction, demonstrations and special programs in the culinary arts for individuals of all ages who want to become proficient in the selection and preparation of any of a number dishes that are representative of different cuisines. Included are programs aimed at teaching low income people how to cook nutritious meals from fresh ingredients at a cost much cheaper than pre-packaged meals.

Driver Licenses

Programs that issue permits which provide written authorization for an individual to operate a motor vehicle on public roads and highways following successful completion of a written and/or driving examination and a vision test. These programs also renew driver licenses that are about to expire, replace driver licenses that are lost or stolen, and process name and address changes.

Driver Training

Programs that provide behind the wheel instruction for individuals who want to learn to drive a motor vehicle including automobiles, commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles, tractors and other farm equipment.

Driving Safety Education

Programs that are designed to increase public awareness of the measures people can take to ensure their safety when driving an automobile or other motor vehicle. Driving safety programs provide information about traffic laws as they apply to motor vehicles; warnings regarding behaviors which contribute to accidents such as speeding and driving while drowsy or intoxicated; suggestions for avoiding confrontations with aggressive drivers; and tips for driving safely under specific conditions, e.g., with trucks and other large vehicles, in bad weather, in heavy traffic, in parking lots, or in areas where deer and other large animals may be roadway hazards. Information about recommended automobile maintenance practices, used car purchase tips and suggestions regarding safety equipment such as air bags may also be included.

Independent Living Skills Instruction

Programs that assist people who have disabilities to learn the basic skills of daily living through individual and group counseling and instruction, experience and practice in coping with real or simulated life situational demands; or through the use of assistive devices, special equipment and specialized assistants. Services include but are not limited to training in the ability to travel about the community alone; to live independently in a private residence; to maintain health through self-care and use of medical services; to live within personal income; to maintain acceptable grooming and appearance; to deal with legal, family or social problems; and to cope with other requirements for successful independent living.

Placements for Children and Youth

Programs that provide alternative living arrangements for children and youth who have been neglected, abused or abandoned, who have had contact with the juvenile justice system, or who have a disability, and are no longer able to live with their families; or which conduct an evaluation of current placements to determine whether a change is warranted.

Foster Home Placement

Programs that link individuals who are in need of alternative living arrangements with appropriate private family homes that are licensed to provide foster care. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and, in some situations, licensing is not required at all. Programs that provide placement services for children and adults with disabilities are generally also responsible for recruiting, training, certifying and monitoring placements in family homes and for providing support for the family and the individual(s) with disabilities who live with them.

Guardians ad Litem

Individuals appointed by the court to represent, in a particular lawsuit, the interests of minors, people judged to be incompetent or people unborn or unascertained who may have a future interest in the property involved in the litigation. These special guardians may also serve as advocates for dependent children pending settlement of their cases in dependency court; and are usually attorneys but may also be court appointed special advocates (CASA volunteers).

Placements for Children and Youth

Programs that provide alternative living arrangements for children and youth who have been neglected, abused or abandoned, who have had contact with the juvenile justice system, or who have a disability, and are no longer able to live with their families; or which conduct an evaluation of current placements to determine whether a change is warranted.

Public Guardianship/Conservatorship Programs

Programs operated by a county, city, state or other public entities that are responsible for investigating the need for a guardian or conservator for all people who have been referred as allegedly incompetent or gravely disabled by mental illness or incapacity and which, upon appointment as guardian or conservator, are responsible for the care and custody of the individuals and/or the management of their estates.

Foster Parent/Family Recruitment

Programs that identify and enlist people who are willing to provide foster care for dependent children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment and need an alternative family living arrangement, or for children or adults with developmental disabilities, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, emotional problems or multiple disabilities who are unable to live with their birth families or in an independent setting. Programs that recruit families to provide foster care for children and adults with disabilities are generally also responsible for training, certifying and monitoring placements in family homes and for providing support for the family and the individual(s) with disabilities who live with them.