Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering

Before you become a foster parent, you will have a lot of questions. Fostering is often a journey that comes with a lot of uncertainty, so you’ll want to prepare in any way you can. There are many ways you can learn more about what to expect, including talking to other foster families and undergoing training with the licensing agency you’re using. As a first step, though, here you’ll find answers to the questions people generally ask when they’re trying to discern whether to take the next step in becoming foster parents.

What exactly is foster care?

Foster care is the temporary placement of children outside of their own homes. It’s important to remember it occurs because of parenting issues, abuse, neglect or other family problems – through no fault of the child. When a Juvenile Court Judge determines that a child cannot return to their home, then alternative placement is researched. The law requires that the Court uses the “least restrictive placement” possible. Relatives are considered first, followed by traditional foster care, then treatment or therapeutic foster care. The goal of most foster placements is to resolve problems and to return the child home.

Can I choose the type of child placed in my home?

You can express a preference for the age, race, and sex of the child that you think would best fit in with your family. The home study process helps to determine the best match of a child or children to your special skills and strengths. You do not have to accept a child you do not want or feel would not fit into your family.  Most often you will be provided with a lot of information about the child before you make your decision about accepting the child. We want the placement to be just as successful as you do.

What kinds of children need foster homes the most?

Many kinds of children need treatment in foster homes. The children who currently need homes the most are:

• African-American adolescents
• Caucasian adolescents 
• Hispanic children 
• Teenage mothers and their babies
• Children with special medical needs   
• Siblings who need to stay together
• Babies born with drugs in their systems

What is the typical age range of children in foster care?

Children in foster care range from newborn to 18 years old. The average age is 8.5 years old. Youth who need therapeutic foster homes typically range from preteen to teenagers.

What type of needs do foster children have?

All foster children have experienced the trauma of being separated from their caregivers. Some children have suffered additional trauma from instability, neglect, or abuse. Foster parents have the life changing ability to provide safe, loving environments where children can heal and learn to thrive. It’s helpful to pursue specific training to learn more about how to best parent children who have experienced trauma. In many cases, your licensing agency can help with these resources.

Omni Family of Services equips foster parents with trauma-informed training, evidence-based practices, and ongoing support to be a therapeutic parent.

Do I have to be married to be a foster parent?

No. Many foster parents are single. However, if you are married or living with a partner both will need to complete all licensure requirements and complete all training.

How long will placements be?

Placements can range anywhere from a few days to a few years, depending on the child’s situation. Sometimes they move to live with extended family quickly. Sometimes they are reunited with their birth family. Sometimes they are adopted by a foster family. After a few weeks in your home you may have a better idea of how long a placement will last, but there are many factors that impact the duration. It often depends on how well birth parents adhere to the plans set for them by the state or whether or not extended family members can step in to help. Every circumstance is unique.

How long does it take to become a licensed foster parent?

Generally, it depends on how efficiently you complete and submit the requirements. On average, it takes approximately four months to complete the process.

What are the requirements for foster parents?

Generally, the qualifications are:

• Can be married, single, or divorced
• May or may not have children
• Can own or rent your home/apartment
• Be 25 years of age, or if a two-parent home, at least one applicant must be 25 or older
• Can be employed or retired
• Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States
• All applicants in the home must be able to attend agency training.
• Valid state driver’s license, with reliable transportation
• Be financially stable
• Have a physical completed by your primary care physician
• Pass all background checks along with drug screening
• Home must have a bedroom to accommodate a foster child/children

Do the children I foster need individual bedrooms?

No. Typically, a child you foster can share a room with your children or other foster children of the same sex.  Each child must have a bed of his or her own. 

Do the children I foster have contact with their birth families?

In most cases, yes. In fact, visits between parents and children are an essential part of the efforts to reunite families. The child’s caseworker has the primary responsibility for planning visits and arranging supervision if required. The caseworker will talk with you and the child’s parents to work out the time and location of the visit that is agreeable to both parties.

Won’t it be hard when the children I foster return home or are adopted?

Yes. That is, in fact, the hardest part of being a foster parent. You will certainly feel sad for a time. 

The most effective and successful foster parents will build strong relationships with their foster children. Our hope is that our foster parents will love and care for foster children like they are their own and will support them as they transition home or to a permanent placement.

As hard as it may be, the most important part of fostering is putting the needs of foster children first and supporting them however they need it most. Foster parents are change makers and can impact families for generations to come. Omni respects the challenges of fostering and will help you determine if/when you are ready for another placement.

Can I ever adopt a child I foster?

The first goal is to safely return children in foster care to their birth families when possible. However, at times, reunification is no longer a viable option. If a foster child who has been in your home for some time becomes available for adoption, you can discuss your interest in adopting him or her with the caseworker and meet the requirements for becoming an adoptive parent. If you would like to adopt a child from foster care who is already in need of an adoptive family, learn more here.

How many children can I foster at a time?

That depends on factors such as your ability, your enthusiasm, how many children you have of your own, and how much room you have in your home. The maximum number may vary from state to state. Ask your agency what their policy is to confirm.

If you foster with Omni, our families typically work with two children at a time. However, exceptions are made for sibling groups, or when families have the space and capacity.

What is therapeutic foster care?

Treatment or therapeutic foster care is a step above traditional foster care. The children in therapeutic care all have complex trauma or a mental health diagnosis and are receiving additional services such as counseling, medication or case management. Many children in therapeutic foster care simply need more support and services than can be provided in traditional foster care.

Therapeutic foster care focuses on helping children reach their goals and transition back to their family or find other permanent placements such as adoption or independent living.

Can I travel with the children I foster?

In most cases, yes. If it involves out-of-state travel, you must call your child’s caseworker in advance for approval and to complete the proper paperwork.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, Omni Family of Services is here to answer any other questions you may have. We walk with our foster families every step of the way, providing support and guidance throughout the journey. Learn more here or contact us any time for more information.