Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Foster Parent

At Omni Family of Services, we believe every child deserves a safe and loving home. That means we are deeply committed to providing unwavering support to foster parents. Whether you are just beginning to consider fostering or ready to take the next step, we are here to guide you through the process. 

For most people, that process starts with a lot of questions: Am I eligible to foster? What is the training like? How long does it take?

We’ve put together a guide to answer many of the questions people have when they start to explore foster parenting. 

The Role of Foster Parents

Foster parents play a crucial role in providing temporary care to children who cannot live with their biological families, for a variety of reasons. The ultimate goal of fostering is to reunite children with their biological parents once it is safe and appropriate to do so. Our favorite thing to see is rehabilitated, supported parents who are able to reunite with their children. Until then, foster parents offer a stable, loving environment that helps children heal and grow during their time of need. They also work closely with caseworkers, biological families, and other professionals to make sure the child’s best interests are the first priority.

Being a foster parent means being a part of a child’s life during a critical time. It involves being intentional about understanding and supporting their emotional needs, helping them feel safe, and providing them with structure and consistency. Foster parents are true advocates for the children in their care, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources, education, and healthcare.

The Need for Foster Parents

There’s a major need for more foster families across the country, and it continues to grow. According to recent statistics, there are more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, with many waiting for a stable, nurturing home. Unfortunately, the shortage of foster families means children must be placed in group homes or other temporary arrangements that may not provide the individualized attention they need.

Sometimes, the closest available foster parents still live far away from a child’s home. In these cases, not only are children uprooted from their parents, but they’re also removed from their school, their friends, their community — their entire support system. These children have already lost so much – they shouldn’t have to lose everything familiar to them. 

We’re passionate about making sure this doesn’t happen to the children in our care. That’s why one of Omni’s priorities is making sure we have foster parents available across all the states we work in. 

We need even more compassionate adults and families willing to open their homes to children in need – which is why it’s so important people like you are willing to take the time to learn more about fostering.

Who Can Be a Foster Parent?

One of the common misconceptions about foster parenting is that only certain types of people qualify. In reality, every family looks different, and we need diverse parents to love and care for children in foster care. 

The main requirements are a willingness to provide a safe, loving environment and the ability to meet the physical and emotional needs of the children you will foster. Background checks, home studies, and training are part of the process, but foster parenting is open to people from various walks of life who are committed to making a difference.

Take Ebony and Raychelle Smith, who ultimately adopted five children through foster care, including a sibling group of four. They were able to grow their family through love, compassion, dedication, and a network of support. 

When asked, Ebony and Raychelle said, “Omni helped us through the process, and the experience has been amazing. They check in on us, make sure we’re okay and taken care of. They answer any questions, take care of anything you need. We’re just so much more knowledgeable because of that support. It’s been life-changing.” 

Foster Parent Training Requirements

Training is a critical component of becoming a foster parent. Requirements can vary from state to state, but generally, prospective foster parents have to complete pre-service training sessions that cover essential topics like child development, trauma-informed care, and the legal aspects of foster care. This training aims to equip foster parents with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support children in foster care. Ongoing training opportunities are usually required throughout the fostering experience to help foster parents stay informed about best practices and new developments in foster care, and to keep up skills like CPR.

At Omni Family of Services, we provide comprehensive training programs designed to prepare foster parents for the challenges and rewards of fostering. Our training includes interactive workshops, online modules, and hands-on learning experiences. Foster parents also have access to continuing education to help them stay updated on the latest in child welfare and trauma-informed care.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Child in Foster Care

Preparing your home for fostering a child involves more than just setting up a bedroom. It’s about creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. Here are some steps to consider:

• Safety: Ensure your home meets all safety standards required by your state’s foster care regulations. This includes having working smoke detectors and securing hazardous materials, like cleaning supplies. If you are going to foster young children or toddlers, this includes child-proofing your home with baby gates, cabinet locks, etc.
• Comfort: To qualify to foster, you must have enough beds for each child you foster, but they do not necessarily have to have their own room. Depending on ages and genders, they may be able to share a bedroom. The room must also be a comfortable and age-appropriate space. Personal touches like toys, books, and decor can go a long way in making the child feel cared for. You can add to the decor and toys once a child is placed with you and even let them choose some items, to give them a sense of ownership over their room in a new and unfamiliar situation.
• Routine: Establish a daily routine that provides structure and stability, which is crucial for children who may have experienced chaos and instability. This goes from feeding schedules for young children up to set bedtimes for older kids.

In addition to preparing your physical space, it’s essential to prepare yourself emotionally. Foster parenting can be challenging, and having a strong support network is crucial. Reach out to other foster parents, join support groups, and utilize resources provided by the many organizations that support foster parents. You can find our foster parent support center here. 

How Children Are Placed with Foster Parents

The process of placing children with foster parents involves several steps to ensure the best match. When a child enters foster care, caseworkers assess the child’s needs and find a foster family that can meet those needs. Factors considered include the child’s age, background, and any special requirements. 

Foster parents are also given the opportunity to provide input on the types of placements they are prepared to accept. This includes age or a willingness to accept siblings. For instance, when placing a child with specific medical needs, caseworkers look for foster parents with the necessary skills or willingness to learn. This tailored approach ensures that children receive the best possible care in a nurturing environment and that the foster parent feels equipped to help to the best of their abilities. We want to set up foster parents and children for success. 

Financial Compensation for Foster Parents

Foster parents receive financial compensation to help cover the costs of fostering a child. This compensation varies by state and the child’s needs but generally includes a monthly stipend for food, clothing, and other essentials.. While foster parenting is not a way to make money, the financial support provided ensures that foster parents can focus on providing the best care without financial strain.

We realize this is a significant consideration for current and prospective foster parents, so we created a whole section of resources dedicated to the Financial Aspects of Fostering. This resource offers a comprehensive overview of what to expect in terms of financial support and how to manage the costs associated with fostering.

Resources for Foster Parents

There are a wealth of resources available to foster parents from government and nonprofit sources. We highly recommend seeing what is available in your era. Don’t hesitate to call or email these organizations, as — like us — they are thrilled to be able to support foster parents. Here at Omni, we offer a suite of resources as well. These include:

• Training and Development: Comprehensive training programs to prepare foster parents for the challenges and rewards of fostering.
• 24/7 Support: Access to support services around the clock to address any concerns or emergencies.
• Therapeutic Services: Access to therapeutic services for children in foster care to help them cope with trauma and other challenges.
• Community Connections: Opportunities to connect with other foster parents for mutual support and sharing of experiences. 

For more information, visit our Community Support for Foster Parents and Supporting Foster Parents support hubs.

In addition to local and state resources, there are national organizations that are great for information and community support as well. For more information, consider visiting the Children’s Bureau, the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA), and AdoptUSKids. 

Do You Have Any Questions?

If you are considering becoming a foster parent, we would love to help. The Omni team is dedicated to providing the information, support, and resources you need to make the right decision for your family. We know the decision to foster is a complex one, but we are here to answer any questions you have along the way and connect you with people who have been there. From this initial exploration to training to ongoing support, we’re committed to being a reliable partner at every stage of your fostering journey.

Want some inspiration? Check out our featured article, 7 Reasons You Should Become a Foster Parent.