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Subscribe NowWhat It Takes to Become a Foster Parent*
*In this blog, you will note the use of the term “resource parent” as well as “foster parent.” The state of Oregon has made an intentional shift to the term “resource parent,” to ensure foster care is family based, time-limited, culturally responsive and designed to better stabilize families rather than just serving as a placement for children. It reinforces the concept of caregivers for children in foster care as a family-centered resource since the primary goal in Child Welfare is reunification, when possible.
Becoming a foster parent/resource parent is one of the most rewarding and impactful decisions you can make. Foster parents/resource parents provide children with a stable and caring environment when they need it most—often during times of uncertainty, trauma, or upheaval. If you’ve ever wondered, what does it take to become a foster parent?, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the role to preparing for the journey and addressing common concerns along the way.
The Role of Foster Parents in Child Welfare
Foster parents/resource parents play an essential role in child welfare, offering love, support, and a sense of security to children who have been temporarily removed from their families due to safety or well-being concerns. In many cases, fostering can provide the critical stability these children need while they await reunification with their families or a permanent adoptive home.
Foster parents/resource parents are not just caregivers—they are partners in helping children heal, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re offering a home to a baby, a teenager, or a sibling group, your influence and support can have a profound impact on their futures.
Who Can Become a Foster Parent?
Anyone who is mature, responsible, and committed to helping children can consider becoming a foster parent/resource parent. People of all backgrounds, marital statuses, and household types are eligible to foster. The most important qualities are compassion, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt to the needs of a child.
Step 1: Understanding the Role
What Does a Foster Parent Do?
Foster parents/resource parents are caregivers for children who have been removed from their families due to neglect, abuse, or other circumstances that make the home unsafe. The core function of foster care is to provide a safe, nurturing environment until the child returns to their family.
Some key responsibilities of foster parents/resource parents include:
- Providing daily care: This includes meals, transportation, medical care, and emotional support.
- Supervising the child’s well-being: Ensuring that the child’s needs are met and advocating for their health and safety.
- Collaborating with caseworkers and agencies: Foster parents/resource parents often work closely with social workers, therapists, and legal teams to ensure that the child’s case moves forward in a timely manner.
- Supporting reunification efforts:
IfBecause reunification with the biological family is the goal, foster parents/resource parents play an important role in helping children maintain relationships with their parents, attending visits, and following the plan set by the caseworker.
Key Responsibilities and Expectations
Foster parenting/resource parenting is a long-term commitment, even if the duration of care is uncertain. It requires patience, consistency, and flexibility. Foster parents/resource parents must be prepared for the emotional challenges that come with caring for children who may have experienced trauma or loss.
Additionally, foster parents/resource parents must be willing to work within the framework set by child welfare, which may involve court hearings, regular check-ins, and collaboration with professionals. Understanding that the primary goal is reunification with the child’s family, foster parents/resource parents must be supportive of that process, even if it’s emotionally difficult.
Step 2: Meeting the Requirements
Age, Income, and Lifestyle Considerations
To become a foster parent/resource parent, you typically must:
- Be at least 21 years old (requirements can vary).
- Have a stable income to support both your household and the child.
- Live in a safe and suitable environment for the child. While you don’t need to be wealthy, your home must meet certain safety and space standards.
Background Checks and Certification Process
The licensing process for foster parents/resource parents includes several steps to ensure that the child’s safety and well-being are protected.
These include:
- Criminal background check: This ensures that foster parents/resource parents don’t have a history of criminal activity that would pose a risk to the child.
- Home study: This is a comprehensive evaluation of your home and family life, including interviews with you and your family, safety inspections of your home, and reference checks.
Step 3: Preparing for the Journey
Essential Training and Resources
Before becoming a foster parent/resource parent, you’ll need to complete a training program (RAFT) to help you understand the needs of children in foster care. During RAFT (Resource and Adoptive Family Training) you will cover:
- Child development and behavior management: Learning how to address the emotional and behavioral needs of children in foster care.
- Trauma-informed care: Understanding how trauma affects children and how to provide healing and stability.
- Resources: Learning about different community resources and supports available to support foster parents/resource parents.
Tips for Fostering Success
- Establish a routine: Stability is key for children in foster care, so establishing a consistent daily routine will help the child feel more secure.
- Be patient and flexible: Children in foster care may have unique emotional and behavioral needs, so patience and flexibility are essential.
- Build a support network: Connect with other foster families, social workers, and support groups to share advice and emotional support.
FAQs for Aspiring Foster Parents/Resource Parents
1. How much time does fostering take?
The time commitment can vary depending on the child’s needs and the situation, but fostering is generally a long-term commitment. Some children may stay with foster families for a few days or months, while others may remain for a year or two.
2. Will I receive financial support?
Yes, foster parents/resource parents receive a stipend to help cover the costs of caring for the child. This amount can vary based on the child’s age and level of care. It’s not meant to be a salary but to help cover expenses like food and clothing for the children.
3. Can I foster if I work full-time?
Many foster parents/resource parents work outside the home, but fostering requires flexibility. Depending on the child’s needs, you may need to adjust your schedule or coordinate with childcare services. We suggest caring for a child who is school age, as their after school activities such as sports can help with a full-time work schedule. Oregon’s Department of Human Services does offer reimbursement for childcare for working foster parents/resource parents. However, the amount is often not enough to cover the full cost of day-care.
4. Can I adopt a child in foster care?
In some cases, foster parents/resource parents may have the opportunity to adopt a child, particularly if reunification with the biological family isn’t possible. However, adoption is a separate legal process from fostering. If you are interested in growing your family through adoption, there is a separate adoption track through Oregon’s Department of Human Services that will walk you through this process.
5. How do I know if fostering is right for me?
If you have a genuine desire to help children and are prepared to offer love and care, fostering could be a great fit. It’s important to be realistic about the challenges and rewards of foster care before you begin the process.
For additional FAQs about Foster care, visit our fostering page.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a foster parent/resource parent can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. If you feel called to make a difference in a child’s life, the steps to becoming a foster parent are clear, and the support is there along the way. From understanding the role to meeting requirements and preparing your home, you’ll find that the effort is worth the impact you can have.
Starting this journey means opening your heart and your home to a child who needs your care and love. The rewards—both for you and for the child—will last a lifetime.
Interested in becoming a foster parent/resource parent?
Let us help guide you along of the way.