Child Welfare Services

Do foster parents receive financial help?

Depending on what state you live in, financial support will vary. It is best to talk to a foster care agency in your area. Every state does provide financial support, and every state does require proof that your family's needs are currently met prior the additional income.

Foster parents will receive a set monthly reimbursement based on the child's needs (behavioral, developmental or health needs). These funds are for child-care related costs such as food, clothing, and housing. In addition, each child will have medical and dental coverage while in foster care.

Can foster parents work outside the home?

Yes. If the foster child requires day care, the parents can often be reimbursed for that expense.

Who are the children that come into foster care?

• Have been neglected, abused, or abandoned;
• Range from infancy through 18 years of age;
• Have special physical, emotional or medical needs;
• Be part of a sibling group;

How long is a foster care placement?

Foster care is a temporary plan for children until a safe, permanent plan can be made for them, usually by returning them to their families in as short a time as is possible. Sometimes these decisions are not made for up to two years.

Can I choose the age of the foster child?

Yes. Keep in mind though that with experience you might find that you are best suited for certain age children.

What can I expect as a foster parent?

• The chance to help children feel good about themselves
• A sense of accomplishment
• The opportunity to make a lifetime of difference in a short period of time
• Chance to learn and use special knowledge and skills
• Make a difference in a child's life
• Satisfaction in doing a meaningful and exceptional job--protecting children from harm

You can also expect challenges such as:

• Having to teach children better ways of behaving
• Needing to console children who are sad and disappointed
• Feeling frustrated when you don't have control over planning
• Feeling sad when children leave your home
• Asking other members of your family to help you
• Learning new ways of responding to children with special needs
• Feeling worried if children don't adjust right away to your home

Do foster children have to have their own bedroom?

In most cases foster children can share a room with another child of the same sex.

Can I take the foster child on a vacation with me?

With permission of the child's parent through the child's case worker.

Things that are often asked about the qualifications:

• You can be single or married
• You don't have to own you own home
• You don't have to make lots of money
• There is financial and other assistance available for foster care

Requirements vary from state to state and it is always best to check with your local foster care agency. Some basic general requirements are the following:

• You must be at least 21 years old; 18 years old to provide respite care
• You may be single or a couple
• You may be with or without children
• You may own or rent your home or apartment
• You must be able to provide a stable, nurturing home
• Your home meets local fire, safety, and sanitation standards.
• You must be financially independent
• You must be willing to work as part of a team.

If you want to talk to other people in the topic you can go to the Becoming a Foster Parent Discussion board at www.fosterparenting.com:

Email us to ask your question (program staff). Thank you for asking!