Fostering children can be a rewarding experience that benefits both you and your foster child. Fostering allows strong bonds to develop within foster families, but the journey isn't always easy. Before you commit to fostering a child, you should ensure that you're prepared for the responsibility that it entails. Here are four of the things you'll need to do if you want to learn how to be a foster parent.
1. Attend a class on foster parenting.
Before you become a foster parent, you may want to attend a class. Fostering classes teach foster parents all the skills they'll need to navigate their new role. Many children in the foster care system must deal with trauma resulting from hard lives, and traumatized children aren't always easy to get along with. A class will teach you how to be patient while you navigate the transition. It will help you understand the importance of setting boundaries and also teach you how to react to misbehavior.
2. Become a licensed foster care provider.
Before you can foster a child, you will need to obtain a license. The qualifications you need in order to become a licensed foster parent will vary by state. To find out exactly what you need to accomplish before you can become certified, you should contact the child welfare department of your local government. You may be required to complete additional classes or pass a test before you can become licensed. During the licensing process, you'll also need to submit to a background check.
3. Make your home a safe place.
Before you can bring your foster child home, you'll need to submit to at least one home inspection. These inspections ensure that your home is a safe place for children. You can get a head start on the process by going through your house and child-proofing your home for the age range that you plan to foster. If you plan to foster a baby or infant, you'll need to cover up the electrical outlets in your home. You should also ensure that choking hazards, fire hazards, and toxic substances are out of the reach of kids.
4. Prepare your existing children.
Many foster parents already have kids at home. If you have children already, you'll need to prepare them for the entrance of a foster sibling into their lives. Sit your children down and explain the situation to them in an age-appropriate way. Allow your kids to share any concerns or questions they have about the fostering process.
Share17 September 2021
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