Foster Parenting Requires Care, Culture, And Encouragement
One definition of “foster” offered by Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary is:
Definition 1: to foster growth and development. Secondly, to foster and nurture. The act of providing or receiving parental care despite a lack of biological or legal relationships. Visit Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation.
Fostering a kid requires a lot of time and effort, as well as a lot of care, culture, and support. Being a foster parent involves a lot of paperwork and meetings, but more importantly, it involves giving a kid who would not have had those chances otherwise the chance to experience them.
What It Means to Foster a Child
- Facilitating the reunion of the biological family via guidance and support.
- Doing the first-ever trick-or-treating with a foster kid.
- First 4th of July fireworks display for a foster kid.
- Assisting a foster kid in completing high school to continue their education at a postsecondary institution.
- Making a birthday cake for a foster kid who turns eight years old.
- Spending part of the summer’s warmth and joy with a kid who has never experienced the thrill of running in a sprinkler.
- Keep in touch with a former foster kid who is now a parent and welcomes your role as a surrogate grandparent.
- Motivating a foster kid to let go of his problems and move forward with his life.
Fostering: The Steps to Taking Care of Children Who Need One
State law determines the specifics of fostering a child. Therefore requirements may differ from state to state. However, all states require prospective foster parents to consult with the relevant legal department first.
Although you must apply, several states now provide their forms digitally. The application will question you about your family’s background, living situation, and motivations for wanting to foster a child. You may be asked if you’d want a baby, toddler, or older kid (up to and including a teenager).
After an application has been submitted, the next step is generally an orientation session or series of sessions. The other attendees will all share your goal of becoming foster parents. It’s not a lecture, and it’s more than simply education; it’s a collective activity. Asking questions is a great way to get to know someone better, get insight into the kind of relationship you’re entering, and air any worries you may have.
There is usually a home study involved when taking in a foster child. A social worker will visit your house to talk to you and your family and ensure everyone is comfortable and secure. There is no bias or consideration given to a person’s religion, color, gender, or marital status; nevertheless, in most cases, a person must be at least 21 years old to join. Studies of the home’s condition may need as many as five or ten visits.
