Learn more about Professional Parents
Online Professional Parent Application
Professional Parents are a diverse group of everyday people, with varying interests, backgrounds, and experiences—but they all have two things in common—they have the desire to help someone in need, and the ability to be a safe, stable, nurturing family. They change lives. And they consistently report that their lives have been changed for the better in return (click here to read about family experiences).
There are over 4,000 children and youth in foster care in Utah each year. There are far fewer families helping them. These are a diverse group of everyday kids, with varying interests and experiences and challenges. But they all have two things in common—they are unable to live with their family due to circumstances beyond their control, and they need someone like you to believe in them and to give them a safe, stable, nurturing home.
Matching
One of the key differences between professional parenting and other models is our matching process. Because some children do well in some families, and others do better in others, CTA strongly believes in finding a good fit between a child and family. This fit always takes into consideration the preferences and needs of each child and family, and normally also involves kids and families meeting before a placement decision is finalized. This makes it more likely that your family and the child will have a successful experience. We are not looking for perfect, one-size-fits-all families—instead, we deeply value the uniqueness in each home as well as each child.
Teaming
Professional parents are both parents and members of the professional team. They participate as key members on the team in decision making about current and future issues facing the child.
While there is a particular need for stable, on-going homes for kids, some people are not in a position to do this. Some professional parents in this situation choose to provide more temporary care, where a child comes and stays with you for a short period of time (generally a day to a few weeks). This is a very flexible option for people in this type of situation. In addition, we are also always looking for people to work as direct support staff in our support services. Please select Other Ways to Help below for more information about these and other options.
Compensation
Compensation for professional parents varies based upon numerous factors (funding source, needs of child, etc.), but generally ranges between at least $1200 and $2500 per month.
If you are interested in changing a life, or just want more information, please submit an application here, or contact us at 801-268-4887, toll free at 1-888-268-4887, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .