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The word “foster child” carries a stigma with it as thoughts of a broken, abused, or disobedient child appear in one’s mind. Many people carry judgment about the idea of fostering. Mainly, they think that it weighs too heavily on the lives of the people who choose to foster parent. The fact is, many of these myths and misconceptions are simply that: mistruths passed down for far too long. Read on to discover the truths behind many of these myths and misconceptions perpetuated over time.
Myth: Foster children are abused beyond repair. Even if I invite them into my home, there’s nothing I can do to help them long-term.
Fact: While it’s true that many foster children have experienced abuse, they are much more resilient than we give them credit for. A foster parent can provide a foster child with a loving, comfortable home — something they may have never experienced before. They can also act as a positive mentor, giving the foster child a role model to look up to. It is never too late for a fresh start, and your support could aid toward a new beginning for a foster child in need.
Myth: It’s not fair to let a foster child get attached to me if we possibly won’t be together all that long.
Fact: While it is true that both of you will get attached, it is better to look at it from the angle that you had quality time together. Not everyone is meant to be in your life for a lifetime. Instead, think of your time together as a learning experience where you gave your foster child new tools to help guide them into a brighter future.
Myth: Foster children are disobedient, rude, or bullies.
Fact: While a foster child may stand out as “one of the different kids,” the fact is that very few of them become the disobedient bullies we see them stereotyped as again and again. Many times these kids are the targets of bullies instead. It is hard to be constantly labeled as “the new kid,” moving from place to place. Those that become bullies do so out of a need for survival. While many foster children lack boundaries, they will usually come around once given a structured, loving home to live in.
Myth: The foster child was put into the system due to their own delinquency or bad behavior.
Fact: Once again, the “bad kid” label is smacked on a foster child the second they enter the foster care system. Upon learning their origins, some may judge a foster child, thinking ill of them before they even give them a chance. Most foster children end up in the system due to the bad behaviors and life choices of their parents. These bad life choices can often lead to prison or rehab. While the foster child may have developed behavior issues, most of the time you can look at the parents and see where the issues originated.
There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding children in foster care that make them out to be something they are not. Rather than stereotyping or judging, take the time to learn the facts regarding foster children. Together, we can smash these myths and misconceptions and change the way foster children are viewed.
Every child needs and deserves to grow up safe and protected from abuse and neglect, and caring foster parents offer children support and stability when they need it most. At Camelot Care Centers, we specialize in higher-level foster care for children and adolescents that need extra support. We partner with our foster parents/homes to provide trauma informed care and additional services, including in-home counseling, parent support and training, tele-psychiatry, and therapeutic mentoring, to maintain children at the least restrictive, yet most appropriate level of care. Camelot Care Centers (“Camelot”) is a Child Welfare Agency licensed by the State of Illinois, a member of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY), and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
