What Would Prevent You From Becoming a Foster Parent?

Many children in foster care need temporary families.

While many people know there is a large need for foster parents, the number of people who actually commit to fostering is very small. What prevents people who have a heart for children, and would like to help them, from getting involved as foster parents? Finances, personal insecurities, and emotional unknowns are some of the reasons why many people choose not to get involved.

"I'm Not Sure I Could Give the Child Up"

Foster parents and children often become attached.

One of the biggest fears that holds people back from becoming a foster parent is the fear of becoming attached to the child, and then having to face them leaving. While some of the time, children end up being adopted by their foster parents, the goal of fostering is for a child to stay temporarily, and to eventually return to their biological family. This can, without a doubt, be difficult for not only the foster parents, but for other children in the household. Those that foster successfully are willing to take on this emotional pain because they know that the love and security they provide for the child, even for a short time, makes it worthwhile. According to Adoption.com, in "Why Become a Foster Parent," "those foster parents who keep their expectations low and commitment high, however, discover that they do make a difference in the lives of these children." Before a child is placed with a family, caseworkers will want to know that the foster parents understand that there is a high probability that a child will be removed from their home at some point, and that they are going to be able to deal with that in a healthy way.

"I Can't Afford to Take Care of a Child"

Foster parents are reimbursed for some expenses.

Foster parents are expected to treat a foster child the same as any biological child living in the household, which usually means the foster parents do use some of their own money towards the child's care and expenses; however the state does reimburse a foster parent for some costs. Typically, foster parents are reimbursed a certain amount, usually between $1 and $2 per day for each child, but children with special needs may qualify for a higher rate. According to "Financial Reimbursement" on the Foster Parenting website, this money is to reimburse food and other household costs that are incurred while the child is in the household. A quarterly clothing allowance is sometimes given, and all medical costs are covered under a state plan, such as Medicaid. Certain expenses, such as gas to transport a child, may be reimbursed as well.
Before a foster care license is given, a perspective foster family must show they are responsible with their own finances, and are able to pay their own bills before taking on a foster child.

"I Can't Take on a Special Needs Child"

Parents are needed for children with a variety of needs.

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, in "Foster Care Statistics," 51,000 children were in foster care in 2006. With that many children, the needs are very diverse. They range from intelligent, well-behaved children in an unfortunate circumstance to children with extreme emotional or medical issues. Foster parents can work with caseworkers to decide what sort of circumstances they are willing to take on, and caseworkers will try to match children with foster parents who will work well together. Foster parents always have the option of saying no to a placement when the caseworker calls.

"I'm Not Qualified to To Be a Foster Parent"

There are no educational qualifications for foster parents.

Many people feel they are not eligible to foster because they do not feel they are prepared. Fostering does not require a degree in education or psychology, and as long as a person is willing to love a child placed in their care, the Department of Social Services will provide adults over 21 interested in becoming foster parents all the training needed. As long as you have a bedroom in your home available (which a child can usually share with another child of the same sex) the other qualifications needed will be provided.
Foster care licenses would be denied to adults with blemishes on their criminal background check and fingerprinting reports that could raise questions about the safety of a child in their care, such as arrests for abuse or sexual misconduct. Caseworkers also thoroughly check references to ensure that prospective foster parents are the type of family they want caring for children.

"I Still Have So Many Questions About Foster Care"

Call to find out when the next orientation meeting is scheduled.

The foster care system is complex, and for adults interested in taking the next step, a county Department of Social Services routinely holds orientation meetings for people to come and ask questions. There are no obligations to sign up, and caseworkers are available to give out information and answer questions.

References

• Adoption: "Why Become a Foster Parent?" May/June 2003
• Foster Parenting: "Money Considerations" accessed April 2010
• Child Welfare: "Foster Care Statistics" accessed April 2010