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Children all over the U.S. are in need of foster homes. Some children require long-term foster care and others short-term (sometimes just 1 night). There are many reasons why a child may need a foster home for a period of time and these children come in all ages, shapes and forms....

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent the first step is to check out your particular states regulations. These can be found at your state's Foster Care Agency.

Being a Foster carer is not something to jump into lightly and some consideration should be given to the points below:

What support system do you have? Fostering can be extremely stressful at times and you will on occasion need someone to talk to or even vent at. If you don't have a support system be sure that you are able to participate in fostering support groups.

Are you willing and able to give time, love, and attention whilst rarely receiving anything in return other than the knowledge you are helping out a family in a time of need?

Are you able to accept that even if a child has been placed in your home as they were abused in their own home they may not be happy about it? Don't assume that a child being removed from an unhappy situation will be grateful and relieved. Take a careful look at what your expectations are. High expectations can lead to a fall and disappointment.

Children placed in foster care have sometimes been physically, sexually, mentally and emotionally abused. This can lad to them being angry, resentful and sad. Are you able to cope with this without taking it all personally?

Are you prepared to have social workers in your home on a regular basis? Are you a team player? The goal for a foster child is to help get them back home or to find them a permanent placement, such as adoption. To do this will require a team of professionals with whom you will have to work.

Are you able to say "goodbye"? Any child you foster will move on. And please do not kid yourself, you will become attached.

Do you have children? Be sure to consider them in any decision about becoming a foster carer. A foster child in the home (and any behaviors that they bring with them) will be a part of all the family's day to day living. Listen to your own children and keep in mind that they may learn or pick up what the foster child knows.

Consider carefully the ages of your own children and what age would fit in. Maybe a baby would be a good fit or perhaps a teenager.

How much love do you have to spare? You will be able to help a child to see that families are good and that healthy relationships can be built. You can give a foster child the chance to grow and heal.

Learn more about this author, Karen Reams.
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