Becoming a foster parent will likely be one of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks of your life. Answers to some frequently asked questions below can help you determine if you and your family are ready.
Am I Ready
You must have enough bedroom space for each foster child placed in your home. They may share a bedroom with your child or another foster child of the same gender. They must have a bed of their own and cannot share a bed nor sleep on a cot or trundle bed. A foster child may not share a bedroom with any adult nor can the adult move out of their bedroom and sleep on the couch to make room.
It is important that children live in a safe and clean environment. During the home study process, you will be asked to have a health inspection done in your home. Your home must be free of potential dangers and risks. You must have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and, if you have pets, they must be current with vaccinations and not present a danger to children in your home.
Being a foster parent can be demanding, therefore you must be healthy and emotionally stable. You may be asked to complete a physical exam or provide medical clearance to help establish the state of your physical and emotional health.
Thorough background screenings are conducted on all prospective foster families, including Abuse Registry, local criminal and federal criminal clearances (fingerprinting). Background screenings and child abuse clearances are required for all household members.
While you don’t have to be rich to be a foster parent, you must have adequate income to meet you own family’s needs. You can either own your home or rent. Foster parents are given stipends called “board rates” for the substitute care they provide; the amount of this varies by the age of the child. However, the monthly board rate you will receive is not income. During the home study process, you will be asked to show proof of income and financial stability.
Foster parents can be single, married or divorced.
You will know you are ready when your life and home are stable. “Stable” means that you are not about to move and you are not having financial, marital, physical or emotional difficulties. Your home must be in good condition and you must be ready to commit to 36 hours of pre-service training (if you’re married, both parents must attend). Foster parenting impacts the entire family; therefore, everyone in your home should be supportive of your decision.
