An Opportunity to Make a Difference
We are always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals who are
committed to the SOS Children’s Villages Illinois mission—especially those who are willing to
make the very special sacrifice to serve as a full-time, professional Foster Parent.
The Choice to Transform Lives
My Motivation Testimonials
What Makes a Successful
SOS Illinois Foster Parent Applicant?
The SOS Children’s Villages Illinois model of care is a unique one:
we employ full-time, professional Foster Parents who care for up to six siblings in a single-family home in one of our Village communities.
For SOS Illinois Foster Parents, their job is not just a full-time job—it’s a full-time vocation. Because Foster Parents
are the foundation of the SOS Illinois model, we are looking for passionate and dedicated candidates to create stable home lives for
our children. By creating a stable home life, SOS Children’s Villages Illinois Foster Parents help children overcome
devastating pasts and gain confidence about their world and their dreams for the future.
The Process of Becoming a Foster Parent
To understand the commitment required, we encourage you to take a moment to get to know our incredible Foster Parents:
Core Requirements
Successful Foster Parents must
meet the following minimum criteria
in order to move forward in the
application process.
Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clear driving record
DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) background clearance
DCFS medical clearance
Must be at least 25 years of age
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
If applicable, must adhere to the policy of bringing only one biological or adopted child into the Village home
Must be willing to move to any one of our three Villages (Lockport Village, Chicago Village, and Roosevelt Square Village)
Must be willing to commit to three years of service as a full-time, professional Foster Parent
Background and Skills
SOS Children’s Villages Illinois is looking for nurturing individuals, domestic partners, or married couples interested in devoting their lives to the profession of Foster Parent, who are:
- Experienced with children, either as parents or by working with children in another environment
- Adept at supporting the needs of behaviorally complex children with a history of mental, emotional, or physical trauma
- Able to discipline fairly and willing to learn behavior-management skills
- Skilled in managing a household and a budget
- Self-sufficient thinkers with a collaborative spirit and positive outlook on life
Our Expectations
Beyond the minimum criteria and experience, successful SOS Illinois Foster
Parents excel by possessing:
A Heart for Mission
A fitting Foster Parent at SOS Illinois must have our mission embedded in their heart. A successful candidate will show that they are driven to make a difference in the lives of siblings in foster care.
A Heart for Children
Becoming a Foster Parent with SOS Illinois isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle change; one that requires full-time, loving interaction with children. Someone who shows desire and excitement for working with youth.
A Willingness to Relocate
Central to our model of foster care is the Village, where Foster Parents and children live within a community surrounded by supportive services and resources.
Creative Parenting and Style of Care
As an SOS Illinois Foster Parent, individuals or couples are required to attend trainings and workshops geared towards developing and enhancing parenting skills.
A Desire for Village Living and Community
The Village model at SOS Illinois sets our style of foster care apart by creating a supportive and well-connected network for children, Foster Parents, and staff.
Most importantly, SOS Illinois Foster Parents are ready to make a full-time commitment to providing a loving, safe, and secure home for the children in their care.
If you are interested (or know someone who is), please consult our FAQs for more details and apply here. If we feel that you would make a great addition to the SOS Illinois family, a recruiter will contact you to attend an informational session or invite you to learn more about the application process.
Interested in other opportunities? Visit our Careers page.