Foster Parents Special People

www.caseboss.com

Let’s talk to parents who love children, aren’t contemplating divorce and are a little curious about foster care.  Do you love to give a hand up, mentor, train and love having young ones hanging out in your home?

Most States will allow single parents or couples to care for foster children, but some states will not allow an unmarried couple to take on the job of being a foster parent. Here are a few requirements before thinking about a foster home - if you’ve had a felony then don’t even bother at this time or at least verify this information through your State.

Must be 21 or older and agree to attend parenting classes. Should have a regular income, foster parents may work a regular job, but must insure the child has proper daycare. You will be contacted and home assessed along with every family member. 

A big home isn’t of great concern and your income should be enough to care take care of your personal expenses. There are Federal funds available if you qualify, but you must have other income too, the money is for the children not one’s personal needs. 

Usually foster children do receive a Medicaid card, which helps on health care.  Bottom line is this: only volunteer to be a foster parent, because you love children and have the time and desire to welcome a little stranger into your house. 

Remember if you qualify for parenting, the children may be removed from your home in days or a few months. There is a federal law that insists States try to place that child in a permanent home if possible – maybe family members or adoption, because they feel that is in the “best interest” of the child. Can you gracefully and lovingly give up that child or children to a permanent home?

Don’t take on foster parenting if you’re doing to it for financial reasons!  A foster parent can be a very special person in a child’s life – best not to make a snap decision, study all of the laws on foster homes and parenting in your State.  

As Always,

Little Tboca