About Fostering
Foster care is a complex system that seeks to place children in living conditions necessary for them to thrive if biological families are unable to do so. If you are considering becoming a foster parent or getting more involved in foster care, you’ve come to the right place.
What Exactly is Foster Care?
Foster care is also known as out-of-home care. This is a service given to children and families who are unable to provide adequately for their children or are in situations beyond their control, such as the passing or incapacitation of primary caregivers.
Caregivers, also known as foster parents or families, can be personal family members or external foster families. They offer temporary and respite care in several different settings, including group homes, emergency care homes, and residential care facilities. The foster care system comprises several vital role players—starting with the licensed foster parent and the foster children placed in their care.
A Foster Parent’s Role
The role a foster parent plays is essential. Foster parents help offer support, care, and a support system to the most vulnerable among us: children who have faced child abuse, broken homes, familial instability, and more (James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17). Foster parents work closely with social workers, law enforcement, and family services to ensure the fostering process adequately provides for the foster child.
Why Become a Foster Parent?
Becoming a foster or adoptive parent offers a rewarding opportunity to impact a child’s life for the better. A primary reason potential foster parents offer their homes to a foster child is to help those in dire need. For some people and in some cases, it also works as a stepping stone before committing to becoming full-on adoptive parents.
Foster parents come from a variety of backgrounds, and the personal experiences they have are often helpful to foster children. A foster home can offer an ideal place for a foster child to heal, learn, grow, and live in safety.
How Do You Become a Foster Parent?
When deciding to become a foster parent, you will need to follow a set of steps. First, you will need to apply and wait for the approval process to be completed. Once accepted, all foster care applicants complete a mandatory course to help them prepare for the process. The course is 30-hours long and, once complete, will help prepare you for foster parenting.
This said, it’s important to remember that no one can learn the ins and outs of foster parenting in 30 hours alone. Training can help you stay knowledgeable about care protocols and changes in applicable local and federal laws. Additional training and workshops are encouraged throughout your time in foster care.
Another thing to remember is that you will work closely with a social worker and network of role-players who offer services and resources in an effort to help you. Foster care is often a way for people to become adoptive parents if they so choose.
Alternatives to Foster Parenting
Becoming a foster parent can pose challenges that, if unprepared for, can strain relationships and do more harm than good for foster children. If you aren’t sure about full-time foster care, short-term alternatives offer similar impact for foster children and the foster care system. Respite care is an ideal short-term solution for prospective foster parents who want perspective before committing to long-term foster care.
What if I’m not Led to Foster or Adopt but Would Still Like to Help?
The great thing about the foster care system is that everyone can do something. There are many other areas you can help, including
- Start a Foster Ministry at your church
- Participate in a care service group to help serve foster, adoptive, and birth parents as well as pregnant mothers who want to keep their child
- Provide meals, babysit for nights out, and assist with chores to relieve burnout
- Become a CASA (Court Appointed Child Advocate)
- Become a mentor for aged out foster youth as they learn to become independent
- Help parents overcome financial struggles as to not lose their children
- Browse a church Ministry list for a church who can train and equip you as a foster care worker.
Resources Available for Foster Families
The National Foster Parent Association is a readily available resource for anyone wanting to join the foster care community. Alongside resources such as Foster Coalition, local church ministries, and existing organizations, opportunities for support abound. We can help facilitate your passion for foster care.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster caregiver, we encourage you to connect with Foster Coalition. We can help provide proper channels for prospective foster parents and assist with counseling services and ongoing support once the application process has begun. Please contact us today.