How To Become A Foster Parent Series - The Decision
One of my readers suggested that I do a series on how to become a foster parent. This can only be a general guide to the steps involved with some specifics based on my state. Your own state may have different regulations and steps so if you are interested, you can click here for more state specific information.
The first step to becoming a foster parent is to really think about your life and your goals. Foster care is more involved than having your own children but it is just as rewarding and sometimes more so. Depending on the type of care that you choose, you may be involved in monitoring parental visits, going to therapists, court dates, doctors, IEP meetings at the school. This is not the case with every foster child but some or all of the above are a part of foster care in general.
When a child enters foster care, there is a goal worked out for them. The goal can be reunification with their biological parents and if so, then the parents will probably be working through the plan given them by the court and their case worker. The child’s goal may be to go to a family member at some point and again, if so, there will probably be visitation during foster care. The last goal would be for the child to be adopted and this would mean fostering them until they found their forever family. In the case of an older teen, their goal may be to learn the skills needed to live and prosper independently. The child’s goals can change at any time along the way from one to another.
Those are the child’s goals. Your own goals need to be just as clear to you because it will make a difference in the type of foster care you choose to do. Are you considering adding a child to your home on a permanent basis? If so, you may want to look into the foster to adoption programs. In most cases these children are legally available for adoption although some may still have a possibility of reunification with their bio parents.
If you would rather work with younger children and babies on a more temporary basis, you will probably want to contact your local Department of Social Services. They work with children when they are first entering the foster care system. These children may need care for a few weeks or months while their parents get their lives straightened out. They can also be a more long term placement based on their individual situation.
If you don’t feel up to the challenges of dealing with young children, consider taking in an older child or teen. Many people’s lifestyle are more accommodating to an older child that may be more independent. Many, many private agencies are looking for foster homes and provide training and support for their foster families. If you do an internet search for foster care and include your state name, you will find many state and national agencies or you can go to the Adopt Us Kids website and they will send you a list.
If you choose to do traditional foster care, you will be caring for children on a non-permanent basis. This means caring for them and loving them and then letting go. Some foster parents find this the most difficult part of foster care. It is admittedly hard to give so much to a child and then see them go back to their parents where they may still be at risk.
If you choose to do therapeutic foster care, you will be working with children who have special needs. The definition of special needs varies by state. In my state it means that they either have developmental, emotional or physical issues, are part of a sibling group or are an older child. These children need a home and a family to call their own. When they are grown, they need an anchor of love to keep them grounded.
I hope that this has provided a basis for considering becoming a Foster Parent. If you have room in your home and your heart, you can make an incredible difference in the life of a child. These kids deserve a chance to grow up in a safe and loving home. Could that home be yours?
Filed under Change A Lifetime | Comment (0)10 Ways to Change A Lifetime in Less Than An Hour
In honor of National Foster Care Month, I will be publishing a series of lists of ways that everyone can help to change a lifetime. Not everyone can be a foster parent but anyone can make a difference in a foster child’s life. The following is a list of things that take less than an hour of your time.
- Learn the facts about Foster Care in the US.
- Send a “Shout of Encouragement” to a foster child or a foster alumni.
- Let your Congressman know that kids are waiting and that you support the kinship caregiver support act.
- Spread the word! Grab the logo above and link to http://fostercaremonth.org on your website.
- Donate goods such as suitcases, musical instruments, books, clothing and school supplies to a child in foster care.
- Wear a blue ribbon during the month of May to show your support for children in foster care.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or a blog post about National Foster Care Month. If you know someone who is making a difference to a foster child, write about them.
- Make a short presentation on Foster Care to your church group or civic organization. Ask them to support local foster caregivers.
- Send a care package to a foster care alumni in college.
- Read the Success Stories of former foster children who are making a positive difference in the world and be inspired!
Please help to spread the word by stumbling, digging or submitting this post on social bookmarking sites. Thanks!
I hope that you will take a few minutes and learn a little more about foster care and maybe even become inspired to Change A Lifetime! There’s more to come!
Filed under Change A Lifetime | Comments (2)