Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life? Are you looking for a way to become more involved in your community? If so, fostering a child may be right for you! Family Care for Children & Youth is a nonprofit organization that helps qualified individuals in Pennsylvania become foster parents for children who need it the most. We provide training and support throughout the fostering process, and we work with our foster families to find the perfect placement for each child.
In today’s post, we’ve provided some helpful information that can help you determine if fostering is right for you. Read on to learn more, and contact us today to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable member of our team!
Are You a Patient Person?
As any parent or guardian will tell you, it takes a lot of patience and grace to take care of a child. Becoming a foster parent is no different. In fact, you will need to be prepared for the unique challenges of taking care of a child who has entered the foster care system. The majority of children who require foster care are dealing with unique and disruptive trauma that requires additional care, support, and understanding.
Many first-time foster parents make the mistake of thinking that because they are “rescuing a child” from a poor situation, the child will be nothing but grateful and excited about joining their home. While becoming a foster parent is a noble act, you have to remember that the child may not see it that way and it takes time to develop a positive relationship with them.
Do You Have a Strong Support System
Becoming a foster parent is an exciting adventure, but it’s also a large, time-consuming undertaking. As with any parenting situation, it truly “takes a village” to help raise a foster child. That’s why it’s important to have a strong support system in place before you begin the process. Are you close with your family and friends? Do they have time to help you out with errands and other important matters when you are busy taking care of your foster child? The health, happiness, and well-being of the child under your care will be your top priority at all times, so having a strong support system that can assist you in the other areas of your life is crucial.
Are You Comfortable Having Social Workers in Your Home?
If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, you have to be comfortable with having social workers in your home. You will have regular visits from social workers who will be assessing your progress as a parent and making sure that the child is thriving in your care. This may seem like an intrusion at first, but it’s actually a very important part of the fostering process. The social workers are there to help you, and they will be a valuable resource for you during your time as a foster parent.
How Common Is Adopting From Foster Care?
At its core, foster care is designed to be a temporary living situation that provides children with a stable and nurturing home environment until they can be reunited with their biological or legal families. However, every case is different and there are situations where a child is unable to return to their previous living situation. Adopting from foster care is one of the options in these cases if it is determined to be the best course of action for the child.
Experience the Joy of Becoming a Foster Parent
For the right person, becoming a foster parent is an incredible journey that can have a remarkable impact on the safety, happiness, and healthy development of a child. Family Care for Children & Youth is dedicated to connecting children in need of foster care with qualified adults who are ready to experience all the joys and challenges of becoming a foster parent. Contact us today for more information!
Are you interested in becoming a foster parent in Pennsylvania? Get in touch with Family Care for Children & Youth to get started!
