Foster parents are an integral part of the child protection system in this country. While their reputation has been tarnished to some degree by those who have abused the system for monetary gain, or even harmed the children themselves, most people who decide to become foster parents have excellent motives, such as the desire to help a child in need, and are willing to make personal sacrifices to do so.


Children are placed in foster care for a number of reasons. Sometimes they are removed from abusive or neglectful homes by child welfare agencies. They could have severe behavioral problems, or parents who are unable to care for them due to mental or physical illness, drug or alcohol abuse, or incarceration. Many end up in what is called kinship foster care, in which the child is placed with a relative. The others


The number of placements in foster care has risen dramatically over the last ten years, while the number of non-kinship foster parents has lowered. Without the generosity of foster parents and their willingness to devote their time and resources to needy children, the some 500,000 children currently in their care would face bleak futures indeed.


For those looking into foster care, it is important to note that while the regulations and financial compensations for foster care parents differ from state to state, the general requirements are typically not stringent. If you have proof of an income that can support a child and space to accommodate him, that is usually all that is needed. To find out more about your state’s requirements, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway at http://www.childwelfare.gov/nad/index.cfm.


You may have the space and the means, but you must ask yourself some other questions. The typical length of time a child spends in foster care is two years, and two out of three foster children are reunited with their parents after that time. Are you willing to let go of any emotional attachment you form with your foster child? This is especially difficult with small children. Also, 30 per cent of foster care children have severe emotional or behavioral problems. Do you have the time and patience such children require?


Even children who do not have severe emotional or behavioral problems will inevitably experience some grief, shock, or anger with the upheaval they have experienced. Compassion and stability are of the utmost importance for foster care parents, as well as a serious commitment to the charge they are undertaking. They need to be willing to work as a team with physicians, psychologists, and welfare agencies to provide the best opportunity for mental and physical health for the child. The compensation for foster care parents is usually less than the amount that is needed to maintain the child, so they should be aware of and take advantage of any resources available to them. A good place to contact for support is American Foster Resources, Inc. or www.afcr.com. Above all, the best thing for foster care parents to keep in mind is that they are providing a selfless, heroic service that could well change the life of a child beset by circumstances forever.