What Does Being A Foster Parent Really Look Like

When it comes to foster parenting, potentially harmful myths and misconceptions abound. If you have never met someone who has opened their heart and home to a child in need of care, it can be easy to let your imagination take over without any real evidence. With that said, you likely have a certain picture in mind when you think of a foster family. And if you are considering stepping up to the plate and becoming a foster parent yourself, you may worry that you don’t quite measure up or fit the mold.

The fact is, every family is unique — including foster parents and kids! And with over 400,000 children in foster care in the United States, your help is desperately needed. So, what does being a foster parent really look like? Here are some simple facts to help ease your mind (and set the record straight) as you begin your fostering journey.

12 Facts About Foster Parents

1. Foster parents are over the age of 21, but there is no upper age limit. That means young adults and senior citizens can foster, as well as every age in between.
2. Foster parents can be married couples or same-sex couples in a civil-union.
3. Foster parents can be single adults.
4. Foster parents can have biological children, adopted children, or absolutely no children of their own.
5. Foster parents care for youth of all ages, from infants to teenagers.
6. Foster parents are sometimes extended biological family members.
7. Foster parents are always law-abiding citizens.
8. Foster parents are in good physical and mental health.
9. Foster parents work full-time, part time, or are stay-at-home caregivers.
10. Foster parents have a suitable home and sufficient income to care for a child/children.
11. Foster parents come in every size, shape and color.
12. Foster parents have open minds, and most importantly, really big hearts.

Now that you have learned what being a foster parent really looks like, does this sound a bit like you? Chances are, it does! For helpful information on how to become a foster parent in the state of Illinois, contact Camelot Care Centers today to get started, and check out this list of great online resources!

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.