Is Foster Parenting for You?

The need for loving and caring foster parents is great. Individuals looking for a way to make a positive difference in their community should consider what foster parenting has to offer. By contacting Fulton County family services, residents can learn more about what foster parenting is all about.

Foster parenting has great potential to change a child’s life. Before signing up for this commitment, people should know what is expected of them so they can be better prepared to handle the responsibilities that foster parenting requires.

What It Takes

Foster parenting is a fulltime job. That doesn’t mean parents have to be with their children 24/7, but they should be willing to dedicate quality time to each child in their care. Many foster children go from home to home, making it difficult for them to establish long term relationships with people who love them. New foster parents should give their foster children time to adjust to their new situation.

Many foster children come from difficult backgrounds and may struggle with physical problems, emotional problems or learning disabilities. Foster parents should be prepared to handle such problems with patience, love, personal attention and care. Most of all, foster parents need to have faith and a positive attitude that these children can overcome their difficulties and reach their full potential. Individuals with a “do or die” spirit make good foster parents as they will not easily give up when the going gets rough. Beyond food, clothes and shelter, what foster children need most is unconditional love.

Financial Responsibility

Foster parents are given a monthly “allowance” to help cover the expenses of caring for their foster child. The amount is generally sufficient to cover food and clothing costs, with little left over for financial gain. In some cases, foster parents may need to cover expenses out of their own pockets to ensure their children receive the quality care they need. Foster children agencies do cover medical expenses for the children in their care.

Case workers are assigned to all foster children to oversee their care. After children move into a foster home, their case workers continue to monitor their welfare to ensure they are receiving quality care. Foster parents can work with a child’s case worker to resolve any problems that may arise.

Foster parenting is a challenging, rewarding experience that can make a positive difference in a foster child’s life.