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Foster Parenting

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Foster care is a state-run program that allows stand-in parents, referred to as foster parents, to care for minor children who have been removed from their biological homes. There are a number of reasons why children might be removed from their biological homes, including abuse and neglect.

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Often, parents who have had their children removed from their homes are given a plan to follow. The plan could include entering and successfully completing rehab, securing a job or a safe place to live, or attending and participating in a pre-determined number of counseling sessions. Once the biological parents complete the steps or plan given to them by the courts, full custody will be restored. However, until that happens, children all over the country need a safe, stable, and loving place to live. And that's where foster parenting and foster homes come into the picture.The main goal of foster care is reunification. However, it isn't uncommon for children placed in foster care to become available for adoption at some point.

If you're interested in becoming a foster parent and opening your home to children in need, you'll have to complete a few steps before you're licensed. Each state completes their process a little differently, but, generally, each state will have similar requirements.

Some requirements to become a foster parent may be:

  • Background check and finger printing
  • Comprehensive homestudy to ensure child safety
  • Classroom training hours
  • First aid certification
  • Medical clearances for all adults and children currently in the home

Once you've completed the requirements for your state, you will usually get a paper copy of your license, either in the mail or hand delivered, or at least a call from your local Child Welfare Office to inform you that you're certified to foster.

Licensed foster parents are usually reimbursed expenses accrued throughout the month by way of monthly stipend, sent from the state or agency you're working with. It is not uncommon for parents to spend well beyond the monthly allotment in order to care for the children in their care, so ensuring your ability to care for children is a very important step when deciding to become licensed. However, that stipend will help considerably.

Depending on the age range you've chosen, you could start getting calls even before your license has arrived. The need for qualified foster and foster adoptive homes in the United States is great, and taking the steps to become a licensed foster parent is a fantastic way to help children in your state who need a safe place to call home.

Being a foster parent can be emotionally taxing, especially when it's time for a foster child to move homes or be adopted into a permanent home. The ability to love instantly but let go easily is crucial. It won't be easy to do, and you won't always be able to do it. But know that those children are progressing and having new life experiences, and you've been able to positively affect them and their lives.

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Foster Parenting Community Discussions

Foster Parenting Blogs

A Home Filled with Love and Laughter
October 6, 2012, 7:40 am
As I sit here thinking this morning, I cannot help but bring focus on the huge need for foster parents today. There are so many children in...
Forever Families
October 13, 2012, 9:35 am
One of the coolest things about the month of November is that it is National Adoption Month. I love that there is a whole month dedicated...
Space for Older Foster Children: The Importance of Space of Love
November 21, 2012, 2:01 pm
Rumor warned against becoming foster parents of older children while having younger children. That's the advice I'd heard for years....

Foster Parenting Forums

Ok, so what is THIS, then? (transition emotional process)
May 19, 2013, 12:07 am
It could be so many things, but even my bios need to hear that something is safe every once in a while. Just keep reassuring him of things,...
Awed!!!
May 18, 2013, 10:47 pm
yes, but people don't believe me. lol. our plan wasn't to take two children when we started fostering. we also weren't going to take a...
OT - Let's Talk Wagons
May 18, 2013, 10:42 pm
Definitely try a wagon before you buy it. I hate them because you have to pull them behind you and you can't see the kids. And you should...
Visitor Comments (8)
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HOPE - 2 months ago
0 0 3
DONT WORRY EVERY THING WILL GET BETTER SOON #1
Nannette - 3 weeks ago
0 0 1
These reading are so sad I have been a foster parent for 17 years and have many children in my home. I never have allowed them to think their parents did not love them. They would also want what's best for their child and sometimes it is to let someone else give them what forever reason. I am not talking money or things. I am talking comfort of knowing you can eat tomorrow and a place to sleep or clothes on your back and proper education. Along with that hopefully the love that will keep you going until they are capable of doing so. Never should you guys believe that your parents do not love you and as a foster parent each of us will try to feel that void until that happens. I have had many children and most of my teens have called and kept in touch with us and some have had a home even after they leave foster care if they have no where to go. I love my work and people ask me how many kids I have and I say I cant remember #2
Ms.M. - 2 weeks ago
0 0 1
Hugs to you "My life" below. Hugs to you. #3
aaron - 3 weeks ago
1 0 1
I was just placed in my cousins place and they are about to become my full guardians/foster parents. i am so glad i am out of my dads house. so much physical and emotional stuff going on...even though it took CPS 16 years to do it(I'm 17 now). I'm getting stuff done in school and will be graduating for sure so I can join the United States Marine Core. My life goal is to get the rank of an E9 Master Gunnery Sergeant in the USMC. I know I'll get there! :D #4
my life - 2 months ago
3 0 1
ive been in fostercare for thirthteen years and it has put me in so many difficult stresses over how that my mother and father dont love me or care for me but, still i go forweard and live my life because i dont want to live everyday and just think of my parents or how ive been taken from my parents when iwas a child but, im still in the syetm and trying my hardess to live and controll my anger and emotions and eeverysense ive been pased around ive been told lies and i do push people away that really cares for me but i still move on with my life and try to move on it was in the pass ....... im just in the tenth grade and i just need somone to love me and care for me for who i am. #5
fostercare is a positive thing - 3 months ago
1 0 0
foster care helps your kid or kids learn love, care, understanding. the foster parents help you and are always open for you to talk to and let things out. i am one of those kids who has learned all that from being in fostercare for 10 months in oklahoma . #6
mykia - 2 months ago
1 1 0
i think foster care is a positive thing but it puts stress on kids because they will think their real parents dont love the4m if they are old enough to understand. #7
don't matter - 3 months ago
2 0 0
I am all ways getting into truble and than getting yelled at and getting into fights with my sister and i can not take it no more...... #8
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