3 Myths And Misconceptions About Foster Parenting

Parenting is perhaps the most important job in the world, whether you have biological children, or you have opened your heart and welcomed a child into your family through adoption or foster care. If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, but have questions or concerns, know that you are not alone. Just as there are myths and misconceptions about children in foster care, there is a lot of inaccurate information in regards to foster parenting. But it’s time to set the record straight. Read on to learn more.

Myth: Foster parents must be a married couple.

Fact: All families are unique, and being married is not a requirement for becoming a foster parent. In fact, foster parents can be married couples, couples in a civil-union, same-sex couples, or single adults. And you don’t need to have biological children of your own or tons of parenting experience to apply, either. However, you must be over the age of 21. You also need to be a law-abiding citizen, and in good health, with room in your heart and home for a child.

Myth: You can’t have a full-time job as a foster parent.

Fact: While foster parenting is a commitment, you don’t have to be a stay-at-home parent to care for a child or teenager in need. There are many two-income families and single parents who work outside the home. As a licensed foster parent, you will be compensated for your work with and support of foster children, but you still need a suitable income to provide for yourself and those in your care. And you will likely need the help and support of others. Solutions might include babysitters, school or daycare, or friends and extended family members willing to lend a hand. As the old proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Myth: Foster parenting is no big deal.

Fact: If you’ve ever read the heartbreaking statistics of children and teenagers in foster care, you know that becoming a foster parent is a very big deal and there are steps to take before you can welcome a child into your home. Once you are trained and licensed, you will be matched with a child or teenager based on your strengths, experiences and preferences, and the needs of the youth. Once a successful match is achieved, pre-placement visits are arranged that often lead to permanent placement. But what does that mean? In some cases, foster care can lead to a “forever home,” but other times, it can be short-term. When possible, the ultimate goal is reunification back to their biological family, which can be difficult for everyone involved. When a foster child must leave, know that the memories and the bond you formed will last a lifetime for the child, and for you.

Foster parenting is a big decision — but ultimately, many people find it’s a good one, if not the best one, they’ve ever made. Not only will you make a positive difference in the life of a child in need of care and a safe and stable home, but you will surely make a positive difference in your own life, as well. If you reside in the state of Illinois and would like to find out more on how you can become a foster parent, contact Camelot Care Centers today or click here for more information.

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