WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?
WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?
Being a foster parent is so much more than loving a child in your home. It’s also showing kindness to a family when they need it most. It’s giving a child a safe place to land during a hard, scary time when they’re away from home. And it’s showing compassion to a parent who is likely overwhelmed, scared, and without a lot of support.
It’s helping a child stay connected to the only home they’ve ever known, in whatever way it’s safe to do so, and cheering on a family that’s living out a comeback story. We want to see families strong, supported, and together. But we know there are times when families face challenges—and children need care.
We believe God uses His church to care for these children.
HOW MANY CHILDREN ARE IN FOSTER CARE IN THE US?
Over 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system. The average age of a foster child is 8.
There is an urgent need for foster homes for older children (ages 11-17) and sibling groups.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FOSTER PARENT?
Foster parents receive a monthly, tax-free stipend. While the amount varies by state, most foster parents report it covers necessary expenses like food, clothing, and school supplies.
You will still discover additional out-of-pocket costs, which is why we recommend foster parents seek community resources and family support. We can help with this.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A FOSTER PARENT?
You must be 21+ years of age and have sufficient space in your home for foster children. You can be married or single, and you can own or rent your home, apartment, condo, etc.
The exact requirements are provided by your county. We can help you with the process of becoming a foster parent.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A GOOD FOSTER PARENT?
You might assume a certain type of person makes an “ideal” foster parent — but that’s not true. We’ve worked with single dads, seasoned grandmothers, first-time parents, and parents who both work full time. People from all walks of life can be foster parents.
Counties are looking for parents who can provide both structure and flexibility. Parents who have a sense of humor and are open to new parenting styles. Parents who have a heart for older children and keeping siblings together. Parents who advocate fiercely and love generously.
YOUR FOLE AS A FOSTER (RESOURCE) PARENT:
As a foster parent, you will:
- Provide a safe and supportive home environment to a child who has experienced trauma
- Help the child feel safe, loved, and connected until they can be reunified with family
- Provide transportation for education, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities
- Support the child and their family as they work toward reunification
MYTHS OF FOSTER CARE
Myth # 1 – You can’t be single. There are no marital requirements to be a foster parent.
Myth #2 – You can’t work full time. Many foster parents work outside the home. There is Day Care assistance available (there may be a waitlist).
Myth #3 – I’m too old. The only age requirement is that you must be over the age of 21.
Myth #4 – You must be a parent. Many Foster Parents do not have children.
Myth #5 – I can’t have pets. Many foster parents have pets. All domesticated animals must have proof of current Rabies Vaccination. Many foster children respond well to pets. Pets can be a source of comfort and affection to a child who has been hurt or abused.
Myth #6 – Foster kids are unfixable. Children are resilient. Foster Parents can make a difference in the life of a child by providing love, structure, support, and a caring environment.
Myth #7 - I must provide Medical Insurance. Foster Parents do not pay for medical expenses except over-the-counter medicine and supplies. All Foster Children are covered by medical assistance through their county for all medical, dental, and mental health care needs.
Myth #8-You need to own your home. Foster parents can either own or rent. The home must have adequate bedroom space for the children. Each child must have their own bed.
Myth #9- Foster Children can’t do normal things. With training, foster parents can make decisions related to vacations, baby sitters, playing sports, allowing teens to work part-time or get a driver’s license.
Myth #10- I can’t foster, I would get too attached. Instead of letting the fear of getting too attached deter us, we should actually let the fear of these kids never feeling truly attached to someone drive us. Being afraid of getting attached is exactly what these children need- a person who cares deeply for them, regardless of their experiences or behaviors.
Myth #11- I can’t afford to be a foster parent. Foster parents are reimbursed for the care of children in foster care. This stipend is based on the assumed cost of raising a child in Pennsylvania., and any special needs of the child. The stipend is intended to help with: food, personal hygiene products, allowance, gifts, and other expenses related to raising a child. This stipend is not a paycheck but is a reimbursement to help cover the cost of providing care to a child in foster care.
Myth #12- I can’t foster because I had a difficult time in my life.
Everyone faces challenges. It’s how we handle and overcome those challenges that matter. The children come from backgrounds that have included abuse, trauma, substance abuse or mental health issues. We hope to show them any challenge can be faced and overcome.
Foster Care Myth #13- I can’t be a foster parent because of my faith (or lack of faith). Some foster parents are very active in their faith/religion. Other foster parents may not be practicing or do not have particular formal beliefs.
Foster Care Myth #14- Most children in foster care have been in multiple placements. Many of the children are entering for the first time because of an unsafe situation with their family. We recognize that any move that a child has to make can be a source of trauma.
Myth #15- Teenagers are the most difficult to foster. Each child brings with them their own unique strengths and abilities depending on their trauma experiences. Some teens have good coping skills and see foster care as a chance to recover and move forward. These teens are able to succeed in school, participate in community activities, hold part-time jobs, and have plans for the future. They view foster care as a safe shelter and seek mentors in foster parents and caseworkers.
Foster Care Myth #16- I’m waiting for the “perfect” time to foster. There are definite times when a person should wait to foster – when dealing with a family crisis; health emergency; in transition to a new home, relationship, or job; or during financial struggles.
One reason people say “no” to fostering is “I’m too busy.” Most of us are busy, but what kind of things are keeping you busy? What is the value of these activities for ourselves and for others? Is it time to put aside old activities and try something new and more valuable? Will these things still be there in the future?
Think about the kids in need. These children and teens are experiencing things they neither deserve nor expected- physical and emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect of basic physical, medical, and emotional needs. They cannot wait for a “perfect” time for a responsible adult to help them.
Foster Care Myth #17- I could never do what other foster parents do. Yes, many foster parents are amazing people. They would also be the first to tell you that they foster for the children’s benefit and not for their own success. Foster parents are able to accept a child’s past history and trauma, work with them each day to help them heal and succeed, and have faith that the future will be positive because of the seeds of hope that they plant.
Successful foster parents know that they are not doing it by themselves. They rely on other members of the treatment team – caseworkers, therapists, and other foster parents, friends, and family members. Foster parents recognize that it does take a village.
STATS ON FOSTER CARE
STATS ON FOSTER CARE
