Foster parenting is a rewarding experience that almost any adult can take part in.If you want the chance to make a lasting impression on a child's life, and grow as a parent and individual, the foster care application process is simple.How can you become a foster parent?
Step 1: Contact the state agency that oversees the foster care system.
The foster care process changes based on where you live.To learn more about what it takes to adopt a foster child, contact a local foster care agency.An orientation will give you an overview of the process.
Step 2: Know what makes a good foster parent.
There isn't a single prototype for the perfect foster parents.They are in many shapes and sizes.Family stability and personal maturity are some of the things that make outstanding foster parents.
Step 3: Do you know what is needed to be a foster parent?
There are many myths about what you need to have in order to become a foster parent.You don't need to be married or wealthy to become a foster parent.
Step 4: Pre-service parent training classes are a good place to start.
Before you start the application process, states usually require you to take a pre-service training class to learn about the challenges foster youth face.These are free through your state agency and are usually scheduled at times that will work for people who work 9 to 5 jobs.These classes run for 4 - 10 weeks.
Step 5: Start the process.
You'll be asked to start filling out paperwork after you've completed your pre-service training.You may be asked to provide income verification through your employer during this phase.You don't need to be rich to become a foster parent, and many expenses associated with raising foster youth are reimbursable.All three levels of criminal record screening include: local, state, federal letters of reference from your employer as well as personal acquaintances Age verification by birth certificate or other legal means
Step 6: Meet your caseworker
You get to meet your caseworker after the pre-screening and training has been completed.Being honest, open, and thoughtful about your experiences and motivation behind becoming a foster parent is very important to getting on a good footing with your caseworker.You will be expected to respond to the caseworker's requests in a timely manner after you meet with them.Your caseworker may request documents and information.Children in foster care and details of their family will be kept confidential.Home inspections and criminal background checks are required for your caseworker.
Step 7: You can do a home study.
A home study is required in some states.A home study is a document your caseworker compiles to learn more about you.A home study can take anywhere from three to six months to complete.A home study should include: family background and any relevant parenting experiences Education and employment Personal relationships and social life Information about your home and the neighborhood you live in Your reasons for wanting to foster parent and your readiness to do so
Step 8: Wait for the caseworker to make a recommendation.
It can take upwards of a year for you to be placed in a foster home.During the waiting period, it's a good idea to stay busy and receptive to any questions your case worker might have.Foster children have different issues than other children, so do as much research as you can.There are serious issues for both the foster youth and parents when abused come into the system.Contact your state foster parent association and talk to other foster parents.Find out what it's like to be a foster or adoptive parent when you network with them.If a caseworker comes to you with questions, never lie.Eligibility will suffer if your caseworker believes you to be dishonest.Most issues can be worked on.Openness with your caseworker is the best policy.
Step 9: Prepare your life and home for the addition of a child after your application is accepted.
A number of safety features in your home will be required by your local agency.Don't let an oversight ruin your plans late in the game.For the child's sake, follow the safety recommendation.
Step 10: It's a good idea to learn as much as you can about the placement process from your placement supervisor.
You should be given information about how other children in your home could be affected by the placement, and what the chances of the child returning to its birth family are.It's important to remember that up to 50% of foster youth are returned to their birth families after being placed in foster care, and being a foster parent often doesn't last long!You have the right to back out of the placement request if you are not comfortable with it.
Step 11: Your family's budget needs to be examined.
You must be able to financially support yourself and any members of your current household if you want to be a foster parent.You need to understand the financial responsibilities of being a foster parent.Foster children are covered with Medicaid cards in most states.You will probably be responsible for the cost of daycare if the child needs it.This is different from state to state, and some states include a monthly stipend for child care.
Step 12: If you want to care for a child in the first 48 hours, you need to buy items.
A few sets of clothes for the age group you are willing to care for, age appropriate toys, food, hygiene items, etc.
Step 13: Your new foster child will be living with you.
Not everything is going to be rosy right from the start for the foster youth.With a little bit of gumption and a lot of patience, your foster youth should eventually understand that your intentions are pure and that you love them.Don't expect your foster youth to stay for very long.Foster care can last a few weeks or months.More than half of foster youth end up with their parents.If reunification with their birth parents isn't possible, you may be able to adopt a foster child.The legal rights of the parents may be severed.Continue to work with your caseworker to help meet the needs of the foster youth.Stay in touch with your caseworker.If only with moral support, they will help you provide for your foster youth.
Step 14: Foster parents should not be burnouts.
Give yourself some time.You need to give for yourself in order to provide for your foster youth.If you want to avoid burning out, you need the help of babysitters and respite care.Although your state may have a provision against it, most states allow babysitters 18 or older to legally sit foster youth.If you are unsure, ask your caseworker for more information.In order to give the foster parent a break, respite care gives the youth to another person.Again, check with your caseworker for more information about respite care.