Fostering The Children

Did you know... According to ChildWelfare.gov there are approximatley 391,000 children in need of a safe and caring home. In comparison to the number of children in care, there are only about 214,000 liscensed foster homes.

Why do people become foster parents?

Well, there are several reasons someone may choose to become a foster parent so let's take a look at some reasons you may want to consider becoming a foster parent.

• Some people are motivated to foster because they have been through similar expeirences. These people often are able to help the child better through their big emotions.
• You can literally change a child's life and make a better future for them.
• Some people can't have kids (or choose not to) or are single. These people can choose to go into foster with the intent to adopt. Or, they can just be a temporary home until they go back to their biological parents, which is the ultimate goal.
• You don't feel like you are ready to be done being a parent.

Is fostering children right for you?

Well only you know that answer, but I can share a few things that made me make the final decision.

Here are 5 Signs That You Would Be a Good Foster Parent

• You have a good chunk of your life in order. Most people don't have their life completely in order, but if you are a good, responsible human being, their shouldn't be an issue.
• You're financially stable for yourself and your own family. Don't worry, most states should give you a stipended for board and food for the child, this also includes state health insurance.
• You're open-minded to having another person in you're household. You also have to be open minded on how the child may develope or what trauma responses they may have.
• You have patience to deal with all different situations and strangers in and out of your home.
• You are willing to constantly learn because each child will be different and require different things.

Now, let's go over some pros and cons to becoming a foster parent. There are many aspects to both of these when it comes to opening to your home to traumatized children.

Pros:

• It is a very rewarding and fullfilling job.
• If you have a child, but not ready to have another yourself, you can open up your home and share those experiences with your little one. This is helpful in teaching a lot to your bio children.
• Giving a child a new meaning to life and changing future generations for the better. You are helping heal the upcoming generations.
• A cheaper alternative to agency adoption. Beware, adoption through the system has its own downsides.

Cons:

• Hidden Expenses- Such as when the stipended doesn't come in on time. The extra curricular activities that you currently do with your family. There are also times when you get a call for a placement who literally will come to you with nothing but the clothes on their back.
• Behavior Issues- These children are coming to you from traumatizing situations and thrown into an entire new territory. These children will experience beaviors, if not more behavoirs than your average child.
• Dealing With Strangers- You will have casworkers, GAL, and several other people in and out of your home throughout the entire time you have your home licensed to foster.
• Calls ALL Hours- Bad situations do not stop at night. There will be times you will be called at 2a.m. to take a child. This child may be dropped off to you by 3a.m. with nothing in tow with them.