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Family Based Care and Youth Transition

Foster Care with Holy Cross Services

Every child deserves a home

At Holy Cross, the primary goal of foster care is to provide a stable, nurturing home for a child while supporting the child/parent bond. When children enter care, they are unable to safely remain in the home with their biological family at that time. Reunification is always the hope for a child entering care.

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General Foster Care

A family gets trained and licensed to care for a child or children in foster care who they have never met before.

Relative/Kinship Foster Care

A child needs placement, and one of the child’s family members (e.g. a grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.) steps up to receive training and licensure to formally provide foster care for the child.

Adoption

In the event a Holy Cross foster family wishes to adopt the child in their care and the child is available for adoption, Holy Cross Services directly facilitates these adoptions in a seamless provision of care.

Becoming a Foster Family

What are the Next Steps?

Foster parents must be:

  • 18 or more years old
  • Residing in the U.S. legally
  • Have a desire to open their home and heart to children who have experienced trauma
  • Have the ability to empathize with children and adults
  • With flexibility to manage changing schedules
  • Willing to work with child welfare agencies and follow Licensing Rules for foster family homes
  • With a history free from felony, criminal sexual conduct, and/or Child Protective Service substantiated abuse

They do not have to:

  • Be married
  • Own their own home
  • Meet a certain income or education level

  • Be experienced in providing foster care

Holy Cross Services does not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, height, weight, marital status or gender identity.

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Youth Transition

Pointing young people in the right direction >

Older youth leaving foster care face extraordinary life challenges. HCS is specialized in young people leaving care, and recognizes the critical importance of ensuring youth are supported during this difficult time of transition. We provide three programs for youth:

“Holy Cross has been very different from the other four homes I’ve been to. Here you have people that come in 24 hours and day and and make it their goal to help you. I feel like I don’t have to hide who I am and that’s an incredible feeling.”

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Andrea

Residential & Family Healing

“With every challenge I have faced in my life, I feel that it has taken part in shaping a better me. Growing up, the challenge was tackling each day, living each day. Now, I face each day seeing how it will shape my future.”

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Sam

Family-Based Care and Youth Transition

Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC).

Youth formerly in foster care who are now between the ages of 18-21 may be eligible for YAVFC support services funded by the State. Services include extended foster care benefits, case management, tuition assistance, and financial support. HCS administers these support services across the state.

Independent Living (IL)

Independent Living is a program designed for young people who are sixteen years old or older with an open Abuse or Neglect court case. The program supports youth to transition to a community setting. HCS provides case management and administers financial support for a young person every two weeks to provide for his or her needs. The IL Caseworker helps the young person develop goals and life skills and make positive adjustments to school and/or employment.

Independent Living Plus (ILP)

HCS’s Independent Living Plus (ILP) programs provide a safe, nurturing group home setting for youth transitioning from foster care. ILP provides intensive coaching, life skills training, and resources to help youth prepare for living independently. Youth graduate from our program into their own stable housing.

The Compass Center

Giving youth and young adults the support they need

The Compass Center program is all about giving youth and young adults the support they need during those critical moments in real time. We focus on providing trauma-informed support to meet their basic needs in a safe environment. We’ve teamed up with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Michigan Impact to make this happen.

Our goal?  To guide our youth and young adults toward a brighter future. Because everyone deserves a chance to thrive, especially during tough times of transition.

Compass Center
3440 S. Washington Rd. Saginaw MI 48601
mmadaj@hccsnet.org

Services Provided

  • Youth Advisory Committee Outreach Services
  • Case Management
  • Crisis Response Intervention
  • Stipend Employment & Financial Literacy Workshops
  • Recreational Activities
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • Peer Mentorship
  • Access to basic needs including hygiene items, clothing, and meals
SUPPORT THE COMPASS CENTER
We invite you to donate supplies and furnishings, volunteer with the art or music programs or mentorship.

For information on how to support our youth through The Compass Center, please contact Tonya Robbins at trobbins@hccsnet.org

FAQ’s

Understanding Foster Care and Youth Transition

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What are the eligibility requirements to become a foster parent in Michigan?
To become a foster parent in Michigan, you need to be at least 18, undergo clear background checks, receive training and exhibit a stable home situation. Holy Cross Services provides assistance throughout the licensing process to prepare applicants for fostering.
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How does Holy Cross Services support foster families in Michigan after placement?
Holy Cross Services offers continued care, including case management support, trauma-informed care training, mental health services and 24/7 crisis response. Foster families are supported with continuous check-ins and access to resources to ensure that all children, along with their caregivers, thrive.
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Are there specialized foster care programs for teens or children with medical needs in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan has specialized foster care programs for teenagers, medically fragile children and those with behavioral requirements. Holy Cross Services customizes placements and the support provided to address these special needs for care and growth.
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What role does trauma-informed care play in Michigan’s foster care system today?
Trauma-informed care is central to Michigan’s foster care approach. Holy Cross Services trains families to understand trauma’s impact and respond with empathy, stability, and healing strategies to support children’s emotional and psychological recovery.
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Can I become a foster parent in Michigan if I rent my home or live in an apartment?
You can stay in Michigan if you have a rental or apartment. The only thing that must be offered is a safe, hygienic and stable environment where there is sufficient space for the child. Home ownership is not mandatory.
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What kind of training is required for new foster parents in Michigan?
It now requires orientation and pre-service training for new foster parents that addresses child development, trauma-informed care and licensing standards. Holy Cross Services provides quality, accessible training and lifelong education to equip families for the placement of successful children.
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How long does the foster parent licensing process typically take in Michigan?
Licensing commonly occurs over the 3 – 6 months it may take to complete your training, background checks, and home visits. Holy Cross Services can be a resource to make the process easier and provide guidance through each step.
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Does Holy Cross Services offer mental health support for foster children and families?
Holy Cross Services provides mental health care, including counseling, therapy and crisis intervention to foster children and families. These services support trauma, behavior and emotional well-being through the placement process.
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What financial assistance is available for foster parents in Michigan?
Foster parents are paid monthly stipends, which vary depending on the age and needs of the child. Other help may be in the form of clothing vouchers, medical care and compensation for special needs. Holy Cross Services can help families find these resources.
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Can foster parents work full-time and still meet care requirements?
Yes, you can work full-time as a foster parent. They need to find facilities of supervision and care for the child. Holy Cross Services helps to coordinate support services, such as daycare and transportation, to ensure working caregivers can attend.
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Can foster parents in Michigan adopt the children they care for?
Foster parents have the option of adopting children in their care when reunification is not possible and parental rights are terminated. At Holy Cross Services, people can accompany families as they go through the process and get legal assistance and emotional help.
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What transportation support is available for foster families in Michigan?
Holy Cross Services can help with transportation, including rides to appointments, school and therapy. Some programs provide either mileage reimbursement or transport assistance to help keep foster families' logistics manageable by reducing travel time.
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Is emergency or respite foster care available in the Michigan area?
Yes, Michigan has emergencies and respite foster care services. HCS offers short-term care for families in crisis and respite foster parents, providing stability of care for youth.