For some people, taking in foster kids is the first step toward being adoptive parents. For others, taking in foster kids is a matter of social responsibility. According to The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, more than 500,000 children need foster care in the United States, but not everyone is qualified to be a foster parent. Those who are interested in taking in foster children must meet certain qualifications as mandated by their home state before they are able to move forward. Some of these qualifications are mandated by law, and others are just sensible requirements to fulfill before attempting to care for a foster child.
A Clean Background
One of the most important steps in qualifying people as foster parents is a background check. The social services agency will conduct a background check to make sure that potential foster parents don't have a criminal background and that they are in a good position to care for a child. Potential foster parents must be 21 years of age before a background check will even be run to qualify them to be foster parents.
Financial Stability
While every state provides monetary compensation for families who care for foster children, they must also prove that they can successfully care for the child without this assistance. Tax forms and pay stubs can be used as evidence to support a claim that a family is financially stable and able to care for a foster child.
Appropriate Home Space
A lot of foster children come from tough situations and having their own, stable space is important. Foster parents must have enough rooms and enough beds for all foster children to have their own space. The space must be already prepared for a child before he gets there, as social services will likely do a home visit to assess the quality of the home before children are assigned to it.
Parenting Education
Many states offer courses to parents looking to foster children. They teach basic parenting skills for those who don't already have children and more advanced skills like conflict resolution, problem solving, and how to talk to kids. These courses can be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks long, and while not every state requires them, they are a great opportunity for foster parents who want to put their best foot forward.
Patience and Love
While the law doesn't require patience and love in order for a person or couple to be good foster parents, it's a good idea. Foster children come from a variety of backgrounds. Some require more patience and love than others, and it is important to be able to provide them with that. A little kindness can go a long way with a child who comes from a tough background, and while the law may not require it, it is necessary to make a lasting difference in the life of a child.
