by Helium01

Created on: July 23, 2010

Thinking of becoming a foster parent? It will be the most important and rewarding job you will ever do. You will also get lots of enjoyment from being a foster parent.

Every state needs loving and caring foster parents. There are lots of children in need of a warm-hearted, patient, loving parent or parents. Below are some of the basics that you will need to know before you seriously consider being a foster parent.

What is a Foster Parent?

A foster parent is someone who is willing to open up their heart and home to a child in need, from birth to 18 yrs (sometimes 21). Some of the children will have behavioral, mental or developmental issues. Some will just need some extra love. All will be sad and scared. Most will come with just the clothes on their backs.

The child cannot remain in the parents’ home due to some form of abuse or neglect. You will take care of the child until they can go home or another permanent plan is made. You will be compensated and the child's medical needs will be taken care of by the state. All states vary on rates so you would have to check with your state agency.

How to Become a Foster Parent

If you would like to become a foster parent call your local Social Service agency. The general process will be for them to send you some information and you can decide if you think fostering is right for you.

You can then sign up to take classes usually lasting eight weeks. In those eight weeks you will learn a lot. You will learn such things as why children come into care, what is expected of you and your family, how to deal with biological families, how to help reunite children with their family, and what resources are available to you.

While you’re in training the social workers will visit your home on several occasions to make sure that your home is safe and that you have room for a child. Each child does not have to have their own room; just a reasonable amount of room with a bed and dresser.

You and anyone in your home over the age of 18 years will also have to have criminal background checks and child protective service checks. If you have concerns about checks talk to your social workers.

Once all paperwork, criminal checks, and training are finished the workers will write a home study for you.  Then you will be on your way to making a huge difference in a child's life. Why not get started today in your quest to become a foster parent to a child in need?

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