In the world of foster care, myths and misconceptions are common, often clouding the public’s understanding of this critical system. We’re working to debunk some of the most prevalent myths surrounding foster care. From dispelling stereotypes about foster parents to shedding light on the realities of the process, we’ll separate fact from fiction to help you gain a clearer perspective on this vital system.  

1. MYTH:  You have to be wealthy to foster a child. 

FACT: You don’t need to be rich—just financially stable. Foster parents receive a stipend to help cover the child’s needs. The goal is to ensure you can provide a safe, nurturing environment for a child in need until they can be reunited with their family. 

2. MYTH:  You’ll get too attached—it would break your heart to let them go. 

FACT: Attachment is healthy—and it’s exactly what foster children need. Yes, goodbyes can be hard. But your love and stability can have a lifelong impact. Many foster parents say the rewards far outweigh the pain. Reunifying a child with their family of origin is the ultimate goal of foster care, so forming an attachment with a child may be painful when they return to their family, but your love and support will be pivotal for them during what is a truly difficult time. 

3. MYTH: You must own a home to be a foster parent.  

FACT: You do not need to own a home to become a foster parent in Oregon! Renters can foster too. While you do need to provide a stable and nurturing home environment, ‘homes’ come in all different forms! What matters is a safe, clean environment with enough space. In most cases, foster parents need to have more than one bedroom in their home to qualify to care for kids.   

4. MYTH: You won’t have a choice in the child who is placed with you. 

FACT: Every Child Oregon’s goal is to have a home for every child—but not just a home, a home that is the right fit for the foster family and child! This is something you can talk through with your case manager and/or approval and support organization.  

5. MYTH: You need to have previous parenting experience. 

FACT: No prior parenting experience is required. Training and support are provided by approval agencies. Many first-time foster parents successfully learn along the way—with resources and ongoing guidance.  

6. MYTH: Single people can’t become a foster parent.  

FACT: Single, divorced, or partnered individuals can all qualify. Foster agencies look for stable, supportive, and responsible individuals—marital status is not a requirement. Many single people have been and are foster parents today!  

7. MYTH: Once a child is placed in your home, you’re on your own. 

FACT: Foster care agencies walk you through every step. From orientation to approval and beyond, you’ll get clear instructions, training, and ongoing support. You’re never expected to figure it all out alone. Organizations in the Every Child network are here to support you on this journey all the way through! Your support and/or approval organization will be there for you, as well as volunteer organizations who provide resource and encouragement for foster families across the state. 

Every Child Oregon works with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) across the entire state. If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent in Oregon and want to make a difference in a child’s life, connect with a Foster Care Guide to find the best agency fit for you or your family.  Odds are, despite all of the myths floating around out there, you have exactly what it takes—and you’re exactly what a child needs right now.