On Becoming A Foster Parent

Foster Parenting

Foster parenting is difficult, challenging and at the same time rewarding.  Before becoming a foster parent, several things must be taken into consideration. 

For example, do you have the room to accommodate a child/children?  You will need to have a bedroom and bed available for them. 

If you have a partner/spouse living with you, do they desire to be a foster parent as well?  If you are in such a relationship, foster parenting is a team effort.  It will require both of you to be active participants.  Both people will be required to attend the necessary training sessions, as well as supplemental training.  Each of you needs to be fully committed to the job.

Criminal record checks must be passed.  Record intervention checks will also be made. 

Foster parents are required to take parenting courses.  Of course, there will be a home study done to determine if the applicants are suitable to meet the needs of foster children.   This study will be quite extensive and thorough, and this is quite understandable.  Perspective foster parents will be asked to give references along with names and numbers of some family members and friends.  Some or all of them will be called by the social worker carrying out the home assessment.

There is so much more to consider than simply the room and space.  Speak to seasoned foster parents.  Ask the hard questions.  If you do not know any foster parents in your area, ask your support worker for names of those that would be willing to talk with you. 

Foster parenting is a twenty-four hour a day job, seven days a week.  It is not like shift work.  You can’t call in “sick” and not go to work that day. 

Becoming foster parents also affects your own children, especially those still living at home.  They may find the newcomers intrusive and resent the fact that they are staying in “their” home.  They may not want to share their parents and space with other children.  These factors have to be considered. 

There are many positive outcomes for your biological children when they have foster siblings.  They learn a lot about intolerance and acceptance.  They learn a lot of valuable lessons such as the importance of giving of oneself and sharing. 

If you are considering becoming a Foster Parent, I would encourage you to call a local agency to find out more about how you can become one and what is involved.  Children are in need.     Children are waiting!