HOME Progam FAQs:
Q: Do the families that live on the Drumm Farm campus have private residences or are families expected to share living space with other families?
A: Each family in the Drumm HOME Program has their own private residence.
Q: Are foster families expected to work on the farm?
A: As our name suggests, Drumm Farm Center for Children is home to a farm with crops, goats, pigs, and sheep! Research shows that working with animals can be therapeutic, so we offer opportunities for those who are interested. However, there is no requirement for any of our families or children to work on or maintain the farm.
Q: What is the HOME Program Pet Policy?
A:We love animals and the joy and support they bring to a home! We also recognize that caring for large sibling groups requires significant energy. For this reason, we ask that families in the HOME Program limit themselves to a maximum of two pets per household.
Q: Where do the children in the HOME Program come from and how are children selected for each home?
A:The HOME Program at Drumm Farm includes adopted, biological, and foster children living with licensed Missouri foster families on campus. Like other foster families in the state, these families choose the children placed in their homes based on what they believe is the best fit. Drumm Farm staff do not assign placements but offer support and guidance throughout the process. However, keeping large sibling groups together is a top priority at Drumm, families in the program are encouraged and supported in welcoming large sibling groups into their homes.
Q: Where do children within the Drumm Farm Home Program attend school?
A: At Drumm, we believe in treating all children equally, whether they are adopted, biological, or in foster care. All school-aged children are enrolled in the Independence School District and attend school together. Additionally, Drumm offers educational programming for families, including benchmark testing for all children who join us. We provide targeted tutoring and educational interventions to help children meet their grade-level goals as needed. However, we do not have our own school.
Q: What is the cost for living in the Drumm Farm foster village?
A: Families in our foster care village have access to a variety of resources, including counseling and educational services for all children living here. With rent-free housing, complimentary utilities, and a unique community setting featuring a playground, gymnasium, disc golf course, fishing pond, walking trails, and more, families at Drumm are relieved from many common financial burdens. This allows them to focus on what matters most: providing a loving environment for their children.
Q: Is a full-time stay-at-home parent required at Drumm Farm?
A: No, we trust the families on our campus to determine what works best for their household. Some families have a stay-at-home parent, while others do not.
Q: Are single-parent foster families allowed to live on campus at Drumm Farm?
A:Yes, we welcome single-parent foster families! At Drumm, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, and this commitment extends to our HOME Program. Our foster care village is made up of all types of families, and we encourage any interested families to apply.
Q: What if our family wants to go on a vacation?
A: Feel free to go on vacation! Drumm is a welcoming community built on love and inclusion for everyone. The only thing we ask is that all children—whether biological, adopted, or in foster care—be included in family trips and activities.
Q: How long do families live at Drumm?
A:There is no set timeline. Families are welcome to live at Drumm for as long as they choose, as long as they remain in good standing with their lease agreement and continue to provide a safe, loving environment for the children in their care.
