Things you should know before becoming Foster

There are many reasons why you may want to start fostering children. You may choose this path because you want to give vulnerable children the love and stability they need to feel safe, secure and loved. Or you might be able to help a child who is struggling with certain life issues, such as a disability, illness or family breakdown.

Trying to decide whether fostering is the right choice for you can be tough, but there are some things you should consider before applying. What are the rewards of fostering? Are there any challenges? Who can you get support from? All families have different levels of support available to them when they foster. While some have lots of friends and family that help and support them through the process, others rely on dedicated professionals who are trained to provide information and advice about what to expect when caring for a foster child.

Below we’ve compiled a list of the most important things you should know before starting your journey towards becoming a foster carer:

What Is a Foster Parent?

A foster parent is someone who temporarily takes in a child and gives them the nurturing and support they need on an interim basis until they can be placed with a more permanent family. Most of these children have suffered abuse or neglect while living with their birth parents, and are taken away because of concerns that they’re in danger.

While there are many different circumstances that lead children into the foster care system, through no fault of their own, these children have been abused or neglected by their parents, so they turn to the state for help. The goal of foster care is to provide a safe, temporary home for these kids until they can be placed with a permanent family or returned to their biological parents when the situation improves.

Inform yourself as much as possible about the foster care system. Although every state has its own guidelines, they all share some common features. You will need to learn about these features in order to understand what your role will be, what exactly you will be expected to do, and what kinds of problems you may encounter.

Very few people are aware that foster parents actually get paid for the children they take care of. This compensation helps ensure that a home is always available for any children who need one. If this aspect concerns you, then it is probably not a good idea to become a foster parent. You can contact Apple Fostering for more information.

Although most foster parents are aware that their situation is not permanent, it can be difficult to say goodbye to a child when he or she returns home or enters another permanent living situation. It is important to remember that this outcome has been decided by social workers and the courts—not you! Do not get too attached to these children; keep in mind that it is their lives that are being affected by their removal from their biological homes.