Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding and challenging process. Great families come in all shapes and sizes. Foster parents can be single adults, married couples, couples with kids or no kids. You are encouraged to be informed and gather as much information as you can. Ask yourself these questions as you think about becoming a foster parent.
Do you have enough room in your home to temporarily house a child?
You must have enough bedroom space to foster a child. A child in care may share a bedroom with your child (same gender, within 3 year age range), but they must have their own beds. A foster child may not share a bedroom with any individual over the age of 18.
Can your home pass a safety inspection?
It is important that children live in a safe and clean environment. You must have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. Your home must be free of danger and obvious safety hazards.
Do you have a history or record of abuse or neglect?
If you’ve had a substantiated case of abuse and/or neglect, you might not be eligible to become a foster parent.
Do you have adequate income to meet your own family’s needs?
While you don’t have to be wealthy to be a foster parent, you must have enough income to meet your own family’s needs without the Foster Care stipend.
Do you have the ability to work with a team for the benefit of the child in your care?
Helping a foster child is a group effort. A great foster parent has the ability to work cooperatively with the case worker and social workers caring for the child.
Are you physically and emotionally capable of caring for children?
Being a foster parent can be demanding. You must be physically healthy and emotionally stable to care for foster children. If you have recently been through any significant life changes (marriage, death in the family, divorce, birth of a child, etc) , you need to consider whether it is the best time for you and your family to pursue foster care.
Inquiry Packet
Training and Support Team
