[Ssumner]

We are in the process of getting licensed with an agency outside of Chicago. A few guestions on how all this works:

How does the system work? In otherwords, how does an agency get cases? Do they all start in one place (DCSF) and then the agency pulls from a main source?

If I am with an agency (once I am licensed and all) , can you go to another agency? Or could I go to DCSF?
OR do I need to stick with one agency? I am wondering because I have heard of some agencies that promise you this and that and they do not come forward.

THanks!

[jillned]

We are licensed thru an agency in a chicago suburb also. Once you are licensed with a particular agency I don't think you can be on other agency lists. Our agency is on a roation schedule, meaning that when a case comes in, if it's their rotation, they will, hopefully, find a foster home. If they can't find a home with in a certain amount of time (1-2 hours??) then the case gets sent to another agency. If you like, pm me with your agency name and I can let you know if I'm familiar with them.

[MommyAlysia]

It may vary from state to state, or even county to county, but from what I understand, here in Ohio all the cases go directly to the county. If they can't place the kids they call all the agency's and the first agency to find a family places the kids. I think some states they ONLY have private agency's and the county doesn't even place kids directly.

[HopefulMommy]

Another Illini here (well actually I am a Spartan, who happens to live in Illinois)

We are in the Far western part (right on the Iowa border) but make it to Chicago quite a bit!

Nice to finally see some people close to me on the board!

[amy_b]

In Kansas, the state contracts with private agencies who then place the children. There are many different agencies, but only one agency in each region gets the state contract. If that agency cannot place the child, they then contact the other agencies to find a placement.