Foster parents are state-certified caregivers who provide a temporary residence for children removed from their own home because of abuse or neglect. Although the state in which you live has legal custody of children placed in your home, you, as the foster parent, provide day-to-day care. The role you play as a foster parent involves taking on a great many responsibilities, each deserving careful consideration before committing to a foster parent program.
Responsibilities to Children
Responsibilities to your foster children extend beyond the basics of providing food, clothing and shelter. When you take in foster children, you become responsible for the physical, emotional, educational and social needs of each child placed in your home. In addition, you are responsible for monitoring behavior and providing structure and guidance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
According to the National Foster Parent Association, foster children are eligible for Medicaid, a low-income health insurance plan that covers medical, dental and counseling expenses. You are responsible, however, for meeting medical and dental needs by scheduling appointments, providing transportation and for administering over-the-counter and prescription medication.
Being a foster parent involves “teaching by example” and includes responsibilities such as teaching appropriate behaviors, life skills and discipline. Life skills involve appropriate social interactions with other children and adults, time management and problem solving skills. Appropriate behaviors include anger management, handling difficult situations and taking responsibility for actions and their resulting consequences. Discipline never involves hitting or spanking.
Responsibilities to State Agency
Although each state has training requirements you must complete before becoming a foster parent, training is an ongoing process. There will be additional attend training classes, meetings and planning sessions you must be available to attend, as well as reports and other paperwork the placing agency will expect you to complete.
Successful foster parenting requires a good working relationship with representatives of the state placing agency. This means following all procedures and protocols, completing and submitting reports on time, and carrying out specific requests, such as individual behavior plans that the agency may request. You are also responsible for making sure the state agency is aware of everything that goes on in your home, including changes in your personal situation. Communication responsibilities extend to making sure you ask for additional help and support when you need assistance.
Responsibilities to Biological Family
Maintaining a relationship with your foster child’s biological family is a common occurrence. This requires cooperation, respect and a non-judgmental attitude on your part. Depending on the instructions you receive from the state agency, you may be responsible for providing the biological family with pictures or information relating to school and health care. If the family has visitation rights, you are responsible for transportation to and from the visits, as well as monitoring the visit, if required. If your foster child can make or receive phone calls from his family, you are responsible for making these arrangements as well.
