What is Foster Care?

Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children who can't stay with their birth families or primary caregivers. Children enter the foster care system when the U.S. child welfare system determines their home conditions are unsafe. These situations often arise when there is a family crisis, such as the loss of a parent, child abuse, or neglect.

Youth in foster care may live with another family member or close family friend, also known as Kinship care. If no relatives are available, social workers may place children in the home of a licensed foster parent.

Not enough foster families exist in the United States. Sometimes, children in foster care have to live in institutions instead of foster home care. Alternatives for a child in foster include group homes or residential care facilities. Less frequently, foster youth have supervised independent living or supportive services other than a home setting.

Adults who are interested in foster care or adoption go through a state approval process. Foster parents receive training in trauma-informed care and hold a license to provide home care for kids. They help foster kids by working with birth families, social workers, and other professionals to meet each child's unique needs.

Whenever possible, foster child case goals are to reunite with their birth family or caregiver. Foster care provides these kids with a place to stay while the court assists their biological family in creating a safe home.

Foster care continues while the biological family makes progress toward meeting court requirements to bring their children back home. In cases where rejoining the family isn't possible, the court may terminate parental rights. Foster children can then find a permanent home and family through legal adoption.

What is a Foster Parent?

Foster parents are adults who have received extensive training through state or private foster agencies. After receiving their foster license, foster families provide a temporary home for the children and teens in the system.

Again, in most cases, a foster parent only cares for a child placed with them until reunification is possible. This may take a few days, a few months, or longer.

Each state has its own foster and adoption requirements; however, many are similar. Learn more on your state foster care information website or here.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Foster Parent?

Generally, it takes around 90-120 days to become a foster parent. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sets child welfare system guidelines, and each state has its own requirements. The process of becoming a foster parent begins when you contact a foster and adoption agency in your state.

That said, these timelines vary. To become an approved foster parent, you must complete paperwork, finish training, and meet all state and agency requirements. Any delays on your part can delay the process. Completing each task on time and keeping a flexible schedule will keep the process moving more quickly and smoothly.

How Can I Become a Foster Parent?

People who are interested in becoming foster parents must first verify they meet all requirements in their state. Each state's prerequisites include a minimum age, required hours of pre-service training, and specific rules for foster families. For instance, you'll have to pass a criminal background check and get a physical to prove that you're healthy enough to foster. All states require background checks for prospective foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers.

Then, you'll want to start the process by researching local foster and adoption agencies. Research and choose a responsive agency partner to support you throughout your foster parenting journey.

Choose between state foster care and a private agency, which have pros and cons. What's best depends on your goals and any preferences you might have. Contact as many as you'd like for additional information. You can talk to agency representatives and attend foster parent orientation without obligation or cost.

After submitting an application through your child-placing agency, you'll begin the licensing process. This includes submitting paperwork, passing background checks, and completing the Home Study process.

What Lifestyle Changes Can I Expect as a Foster Parent?

Among your primary foster parent responsibilities is to help make decisions in the best interests of the child. You will be advocating on their behalf to social services, your state child welfare agency, and court professionals.

You will be parenting teens and children living with the effects of trauma. If you're a prospective foster parent with your own kids, you may find that your approach to communication and discipline may need to change. Foster training will cover parenting styles and the unique but common needs foster kids share.

You'll learn more about trauma-informed care during your pre-service training. However, you should prepare for some changes in your life before you begin.

Some foster kids may avoid hugs or physical contact, at least at first. They may be uncomfortable around strangers and opt out of participating in family events or holiday rituals. As a foster parent, you must respect their boundaries, while keeping the door open if and as they feel ready for more.

Every child is different. Collaborate with your child and foster care agency to find the most effective ways to help them feel comfortable in your home. Supporting your foster child's unique customs, traditions, or cultural rituals can go a long way.

Having an open mind and being patient will make your experience as a foster parent much more enjoyable. Life tends to throw curve balls, and expecting interruptions and last-minute changes is a good idea. You will collaborate with birth parents and your case manager as a foster child advocate. Together, you will plan visits, appointments, and other activities.

Can Single Parents Foster?

Yes. You can be a foster parent if you're single, married, divorced, or in a long-term partnership. Both straight and LGTBQ+ individuals and couples can foster, as well.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're fostering as a single parent.

You'll need a flexible work schedule. As a parent, you must be there for school events, doctor visits, therapy sessions, court hearings, sports, and social events.

Having a reliable support system is a huge help. Taking on the responsibility of raising a child can be a challenge. People you can depend on will support you if you need a break or need good advice.

You may also consider joining a foster parent support group. Being around other experienced families can teach you a lot and help you avoid common mistakes.

What Skills Should Foster Children Learn?

Many benefits of fostering exist, including the fact that you can help youth in need learn valuable life skills. Many foster kids never learned basic life skills like cooking, budgeting, and time management. This knowledge will help them become more successful adults, especially teenagers who will soon be on their own.

Depending on a child's age, there are plenty of ways you can help them learn and build their confidence. For example, set healthy boundaries, teach them to cook, clean up after themselves, or decorate their space.

Learn About Becoming a Foster Parent

Foster care can take many forms, and each of them has the potential to change a child's life for the better. Foster parenting is your opportunity to be the reliable, caring adult that a foster child needs. This path to help children and families is rarely easy, though incredibly rewarding.

FosterUSKids seeks to give aspiring foster and adoptive parents the information they need to become successful foster parents. Talk to a child-placing agency for questions about how to become a foster parent or meet your fostering goals today.