Becoming a foster caregiver is a meaningful decision that can make a lasting difference in a child's life. Many adults feel called to help but have questions about how foster care works, what it involves, and whether it's the right fit for their family.
The foster care system can feel complex at first, but understanding the basics can help you decide your next steps with confidence. Here are answers to common questions about fostering and the many ways families can support children during a time of change.
What are the different types of foster care?
There are several kinds of foster care, including:
Kinship foster care, when a child in child welfare custody is placed with a relative or non-relative family friend. This is often child welfare's first choice for a child, and can be especially advantageous when it is a caregiver who has had a previous relationship with the child.
Non-relative family foster care refers to the scenario where child welfare places a child with certified foster caregivers, who have been trained to care for children in child welfare custody.
Treatment foster care, also called therapeutic foster care, involves placement of children with foster families who have been specially trained to care for children with certain medical or behavioral needs. Examples include medically fragile children and children with emotional or behavioral disorders. Treatment foster care programs generally require more training for foster caregivers and provide more support for children and caregivers. Treatment foster care is preferred over residential or group care because it maintains children in a family setting.
Residential or group settings (also called congregate care) include community-based group homes, campus-style residential facilities, and secure facilities. Residential programs are sometimes focused on working with children who have certain special needs. Examples include community-based group homes for adolescents who are involved in the juvenile justice system and residential campus facilities for children and youth with serious mental health challenges.
In some jurisdictions, children removed from their family of origin are first placed into an emergency care setting. This may be a shelter/group facility or a family setting designed to keep the children safe while assessing their needs and finding a more appropriate placement.
In
Shared family care (SFC), parent(s) and children are placed together in the home of a family that is trained to mentor and support the parent(s) as they develop skills and supports necessary to care for their children independently. SFC can be used to prevent out-of-home placement, to provide a safe environment for the reunification of a family that has been separated, or to help young parents who may be in foster care themselves.
Independent living is when young people are placed in an apartment or other housing situation alone or with other youth with supervision and support aimed at helping them be ready to live independently as an adult after emancipation from foster care.
What are the financial considerations of being a foster caregiver?
Children in foster care's medical expenses are often covered by Medicaid, including dental and psychiatric/behavioral health, so foster caregivers don't need to worry about health care costs. Foster caregivers do receive a monthly stipend (varying by state, the child's age, and other factors) designed to cover board, food, clothing, and transportation for the child. However, these stipends may not always cover all the costs that can come with fostering children.
State-specific information can be found
here.
How can I become a foster caregiver?
The requirements are different in each state. Find the appropriate department in
your state to learn about becoming a foster parent. All states will require some type of background checks and home evaluation as well as initial and on-going training.
What are the rewards and challenges of being a foster caregiver?
The most significant reward of being a foster caregiver is having an impact on the lives of children and youth in an important and meaningful way. Many people also feel like the experience of being a foster caregiver has an important impact on their lives - and the rest of their family, friends, and community. It is a time of growth that allows for learning new skills and making new relationships.
There are many challenges involved in foster caregiving, including realizing that a foster caregiver cannot control most aspects of the system. Sometimes, the support given to foster caregivers is inadequate to meet the needs of the youth in foster care. Sometimes symptoms of trauma in children and teens in foster care can be challenging and can create difficulties in home life for families.
For some caregivers, it is difficult to give your heart and develop strong bonds with a child whom you know you may not have in your life for very long, and it can be painful to let a child go. But in special situations, foster caregivers may develop lasting relationships with the child's family of origin that allow them to continue to play a role in that child and family's life after reunification.
Being a foster caregiver is truly a special calling, giving ordinary people the opportunity to do something extraordinary.
Where can I find more information about foster care in my area?
There are many resources, both locally and nationally, where you can find information about foster care in your area. These include local and state governments, private agencies, faith communities, and other organizations. You could also find information from youth who have experienced foster care through
Foster Care Alumni of America, and
FosterClub.
More resources