If you’re looking to pursue foster care and just don’t know where to start, I have a few steps to get you going in the right direction. As a foster, adoptive, and biological mama, I know first hand what an impact your obedience can make for a child in the foster care system and for your family. I am so thankful for you and your heart!
Currently in the United States, there is a huge influx of children entering foster care due to the recent surge of illegal drug use. There are children all across the country tonight sleeping on the floors of foster care agencies while the workers plead with foster homes to take “just one more” or a child that is outside of their criteria.
Here are 7 tips to help you start your foster care journey.
1. Attend an informal meeting.
Agencies offer these a few times a year. This will help you get a feel for foster care in your state and help you decide if you’d like to foster through the state or through a private agency.
2. Talk with other foster families in your area.
If you don’t know any, ask your local agency to connect you with someone. You can also join foster parent Facebook groups for your county or region. The agency meetings are very informative, but chatting with local foster parents gives you a true, unbiased opinion of the agency and what it really is like.
3. Choose an agency and attend the trainings.
After you choose an agency or county, you’ll attend preservice trainings. The number of hours required varies state-to-state, but you can find that information with a quick Google search.
4. Begin to prepare your home.
During your preservice trainings, you can begin to prepare your home. (Read more on that here and here) Again, the rules and laws vary greatly from state-to-state and even county-to-county. However, a lot of regulations are generally the same! You’ll get your exact requirements at some point during your licensing process.
