By this time, you must be considering the possibility of being a foster parent to a child who is not even related to you by blood. Taking care of a child is never easy, so you must think about this decision thoroughly. Today, we will give you five things to remember before taking the big leap and welcoming a child to your humble home.
-
Interest and love for children
When you take a child into your home for foster care, you should do it for the purpose of letting him feel unconditional love. You’re not taking the child in just because it’s a mere obligation to rescue him from an abusive or violent environment. You should be passionate when it comes to taking care of little ones regardless of their backgrounds and characteristics. If you believe that it’s never too late for a child to feel and to know love, then foster care is for you.
-
Provision of needs
Don’t forget that a child has various needs; both material and unobservable needs. You should provide the child with food, clean water, and a safe environment to live in. You should give the child some time for leisure and education. Furthermore, you should comfort the child and make him feel loved.
-
Collaboration with social workers and other professionals
Foster care entails collaboration with social workers and other professionals involved in alleviating a child’s development and life. The child you’re going to take in is different from an ordinary child. He/she might have experienced sorrowful and unfortunate events. Social workers can help you provide the child’s needs and ensure that the child will soon have a family to belong in.
-
Support from family and friends
Your family members and friends might not approve of your decision to foster care. Consider listening to your family’s opinions first, especially if you have your own children. They might know something you haven’t thought of before.
-
Short-term relationship
Foster care does not last forever. It is basically your role to give the child a safe and successful transition period until he/she can adjust to the present reality. The child you’ll be taking care of will eventually find a new family and a new home to be in. If you want to be a foster parent, then make sure you’re good at dealing with goodbyes.
Start the process to becoming a foster parent now! Community Access Network is a Social Services Organization in California. We provide mental health counseling services to individuals and families who have suffered unfortunate series of events. We are also a Youth Development Center. We continue to empower the youth and develop their potentials. For inquiries, you may call us at 951-279-3222 or 951-471-1426!