Where do foster children come from?
Foster children come from every community, various backgrounds and range in age from birth to 18. These are children who are abused or neglected or abandoned and rely on the state and federal social services system to help them overcome their situation. They often require special services such as counseling, medical care or special education. Many of them simply need to know there are adults who care about their welfare and will be there to support them as they grow.
Can I choose the child I want?
Yes. You can usually specify age, race and sex of the child you prefer and are entitled to review the child’s history. You do not have to take a child you don’t believe is the right match.
Do foster-adopt parents receive financial reimbursement?
Yes. Parents receive a set monthly reimbursement based on the child's needs. These funds are to assist in child-care related costs such as food, clothing, transportation, and supervision. In addition, each child has medical and dental coverage.
What kind of support can I expect?
Foster Care agencies typically provide respite, ongoing training, special events, therapy, counseling, crisis intervention 24 hours per day, and many other daily support services for the children in care, your biological children and the foster parents when desired.
How long does it take to become a foster-adopt parent?
It usually takes 1-3 months to become licensed, but your preferences of placement help determine how long it takes to receive a child in your home.
Why do we need special training?
Fostering/mentoring a child is not the same as parenting a child born to you. Over time, you may need to talk with that child about the birth family, or help the child manage feelings about being in foster care or being adopted. The training and support we provide will help you and the children make the placement successful.
Can I help without being a foster parent?
Yes. There are many opportunities to volunteer and you can give your time, money, goods, professional services or household items. You can also serve on an agency board, help recruit foster parents, find volunteers or help raise funds.
Some help develop
relationships with local businesses, churches and civic organizations to sponsor families during holidays or for youth graduating from high school who are in need of basic goods and life skills.
Mentoring youth who 'age out' of the system is another powerful way to make a meaningful difference. Many of these young adults have no life skills and need the support and advice of a caring adult to see them into a productive life.
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