A foster parent is someone who cares for a child when the state takes the child from his or her natural family because of safety concerns.Being a foster parent can be rewarding for both the foster family and the child.You can become a foster parent in six to eight months.
Step 1: Foster parenting works.
Foster parenting in the U.S. began with social agencies and was later endorsed and regulated by state governments.The Florida Department of Children and Families has 18 affiliated community foster care organizations.Here you can find a map of the affiliated organizations.Community organizations recruit prospective foster parents, provide training, place children in foster homes, and provide support and manage the cases of children who have been placed.Once a child becomes eligible for adoption, a foster parent must apply to adopt the child.
Step 2: Foster parents have responsibilities.
A foster parent provides care and a home for children who cannot live with their natural parents or family, either because the family is unable to provide care or the state has removed the child because of abuse or neglect.The foster parent needs to work with health providers, case workers, and a court-appointed legal representative.Foster parents provide a stable and nurturing environment with some assistance, including training and periodic reviews.Foster parents receive a small stipend to help pay for the child's needs, but they are not a paid position.
Step 3: You can get started by contacting your local agency.
Here you can find contact information for each agency.Inform the agencies in your area that you are interested in becoming a foster parent by contacting them.The agency can help you with the paperwork and meet the requirements.If there is something special about your family that would make your home a good fit for a child with special needs, talk to your agency representative.If you have experience caring for someone with special needs or have a cultural background, you may be a good candidate for a placement.
Step 4: It is necessary to meet preliminary requirements.
State to state, the requirements to become a foster parent differ.Foster parents in Florida must be 21 years of age, have at least one adult in the home who speaks English, and be able to pass a criminal and child abuse background check.
Step 5: Attend an orientation
You will need to attend a free orientation in order to learn more about becoming a foster parent.Inquire about upcoming orientations at your community agency.
Step 6: 30 hours of training is required.
Foster parents need to learn how to deal with attachment issues affecting foster children, manage a child's behavior, maintain connections with the birth family, and understand the impact of fostering on the foster family.Training in safety precautions and first aid is given to parents.
Step 7: You should pass a background check.
A background check will be performed by your community agency.Any past history of child abuse or criminal activity will be uncovered by the check.If you have been convicted of violent crimes, drug offenses, felony theft, or aDUI within the past five years, you may be disqualified.Potential babysitters and other adults in your home may have to pass a background check as well.
Step 8: References are provided.
It is possible that your agency requires references from friends and family, as well as your children's school or daycare.The agency can either contact them directly or have them fill out a questionnaire.
Step 9: Take part in a home inspection.
An inspection of your home is requested by your community agency.It's important that your home meet certain safety standards, such as having a fire extinguisher and locking up firearms.Occupancy and space requirements are included.There can be no more than five children in a single home and each child must have his or her own bed.
Step 10: Ask lots of questions.
Ask your caseworker to answer any questions you have about the child's background after you've finished training.If you want to enroll your child in school, you should ask for instructions on how to do that, as well as what you need to purchase.Why is the child in foster care?Does the child have any learning disabilities?Have the child been in foster care before?Is the child's medical shots up to date?Does the child have any health issues?
Step 11: You should introduce yourself to the child.
Speak in a soft voice, and let your foster child address you with the name that makes him or her comfortable.The child might prefer to call you by your first name.
Step 12: The space for the child should be prepared.
The room must be at least 40 square feet for every child who sleeps in it.Before your foster child arrives, make sure that you have a bed and enough space to store personal belongings.Encourage the child to display photographs of his or her birth parents and anyone else important to them, and consider having a nightlight as well.
Step 13: Prepare for adjustment difficulties.
The needs of your foster child may be related to emotional, psychological, behavioral, and/or developmental issues.There are many needs that manifest as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, and oppositional Defiance Disorder.Prepare to be patient and give comfort, encouragement, and security.Foster children can usually get mental health resources through a social worker.Ask your caseworker if you can call for help in an emergency.
Step 14: It is necessary to communicate.
Give your foster child a tour of your home and explain the rules to them.Ask the child about his or her expectations in your home.You should keep asking questions to learn more about your new foster child.Stable and healthy relationships are promoted by open communication.