Foster care:
Foster care is the term used for a system in which a minor who has been made a ward is placed in the private home of a state certified caregiver referred to as a “foster care parent”
Children may enter foster care via voluntary or involuntary means. Voluntary placement may occur when a biological parent or lawful guardian is unable to care for a child.
Involuntary placement occurs when a child is removed from their biological parent or lawful guardian due to the risk or actual occurrence of physical or psychological harm.
In the US, most children enter Foster care due to neglect. If a biological parent or lawful guardian is unwilling to care for a child, the child is deemed to be dependent and is placed under the care of the child protection agency.
What is Foster Care and Why is it Needed?
Foster care is a safe place to be if a child cannot live with his/her family or on their own. Children enter foster care because of neglect, abuse, a family crisis, or the child’s acting out at home. Foster parents help children grow and feel good again by providing them with stability, affection, consistency, and nurturing.
6 Foster Care Skills You Need to Know
Foster Care Skill #1 – Know your home and family.
Foster Care Skill #2 – Know how to communicate.
Foster Care Skill #3 – Know that working with foster children and the foster care system can be challenging.
Foster Care Skill #4 – Know how to successfully manage behaviors of challenging children.
Foster Care Skill #5 – Know how to manage a child’s losses as well as your own.
Foster Care Skill #6 – Know how to work with others.
Who Can Be a Foster Parent?
There is a huge need for foster parents, so you may be relieved to know that almost anyone can become a foster parent. You can be:
- single
- retired
- gay
- any race or religion
- a renter
- a working parent
HOW TO BE A GOOD FOSTER PARENT
- Make sure you get the support you need
- Educate yourself
- Get your house ready
- Get your family ready
- Have realistic expectations
- If possible and safe, allow the child to connect with his or her family
- Be prepared to deal with behavior problems
- Build self-esteem
Foster parenting demands high degree of empathy on the part of foster parents. If they shower empathy and love, child develops the highest self esteem. Foster parenting can be most fulfilling and rewarding if the child is successful in their life.