At some point, nearly all of us will consider whether or not we’ll have children. Some may go a step further and discuss adoption as one way to both grow their family and help a child in need. However, how much do you know about the option of becoming a foster parent within your state? While foster care is riddled with emotional highs and lows, the benefits of giving displaced children a safe home are immeasurable.
Requirements Aren’t the Issue
Many people find themselves shocked when they research the requirements for licensing within their state. As long as you’re at least 21 years of age, can attend a minimal amount of training, and can endure a home study, you’re almost home clear. Things beyond that mostly focus on paperwork– proving marriages and divorces, clearing background checks, providing references, etc.
Foster Care Requires Resilience
One thing that any foster parent (and really any foster child) can tell you is that it’s far from easy to take on the title. While the requirements to get licensed may not be hefty, fostering does require a level of emotional and mental fortitude. Indeed, not every individual feels they can provide this support.
Prospective foster parents often underestimate the amount of support and time they have to devote to kids. What’s more, these kids oftentimes need more attention than an otherwise average child. Many individuals and couples don’t realize that for many of these children, the difference between a cold, lonely, sleepless night and a safe and comfortable one is just somebody being willing to take them into their home.
Longer-term placements will often mean dealing with the nitty-gritty. For example, they go through therapy appointments, struggles in school, and grappling with state paperwork can feel daunting. However, they don’t have to be! Provided you have the time, you can rest assured that everybody has the best interests for your placement in mind. They will work with you to find solutions.
Find out if Foster Care is Right for You
If opening your home to a child in need is something that interests you, contact us! We’d be more than happy to answer questions, provide resources, and set you on the right track to becoming a licensed foster parent.