Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards

First Aid & CPR Illinois

Becoming a licensed foster parent in Illinois means providing a safe home to a child in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services. First-aid, Heimlich and CPR training is recognized toward foster-parent training, and CPR is required where the home has a pool or similar water feature.

The first-aid requirement

Under Illinois Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (Ill. Admin. Code tit. 89, Part 402), training toward first-aid, Heimlich and CPR certification is recognized as approved foster-parent training, and current CPR certification is specifically required for homes with a pool, hot tub, pond or similar water feature. Foster homes must also maintain a stocked first-aid kit.

The requirement is administered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and its licensed child-welfare agencies, which may require first-aid/CPR certification as part of their approval. Where required, certification should be kept current, and it is one requirement in addition to the home study and the assessment of parenting suitability.

How to meet it

A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.

See the recognized first-aid courses in your region

Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards

Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.

We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.

Keep your skills current with confidence

Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.

See the recognized first-aid courses in your region

References

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