So, are you thinking about becoming a foster parent?
I am sure you have read in the newspaper lately that there is a tremendous need for foster parents. Now, you are at a point in your life where you feel you would like to open your home to a foster child. And, as you listened to the evening news, you wondered how you could get involved and how you could make a difference in the life of a child. More importantly, you are wondering if you are ready to become a foster parent.

Foster parenting requires certain skills and personal qualities. Two important qualities are patience and a genuine concern for the child. These will come in handy when you face the challenges of parenting the foster child. Another important one is commitment. Many of these children have learned not to trust adults. As a result, they will put your trustworthiness to the test and your commitment to that child will demonstrate how much you really do care.

Throughout your foster parenting experience, you will need to educate and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to parent needy children. Most foster family agencies will provide regular training for you. In order to help you make this important decision, I have a list of questions to ask yourself. Answering these questions will give you an idea if you are ready to become a foster parent. Here are the 8 questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a needy child?
2. Will you be able to provide the foster child with a safe and nurturing home?
3. Are you willing to participate with agencies and other responsible adults in planning for the needs of the child?
4. Will you provide opportunities for and encourage participation in activities for the foster child?
5. Are you able to discipline a child without using corporeal punishment?
6. Will you uphold the agency policies and the State regulations governing foster family homes?
7. Will you respect the personal rights of the child?
8. Are you able to ensure the direct care and supervision of the child?

Not only do you need to examine your own motivation for becoming a foster parent, you need to become an educated consumer about the kinds of supportive services offered by the various foster family agencies. Most agencies offer training on a regular basis covering a variety of topics related to foster parenting. Another important service is a clothing reimbursement program. A question to ask any agency is: how do they provide the clothing for a foster child? Does the agency have a respite care program? Respite care gives you the opportunity to have some rest and relaxation while someone else supervises your foster child. As you think about becoming a foster parent, I encourage you to look closely at the kinds of services provided by the foster family agency.

At Paradise Oaks Foster Family Agency, these are some of the kinds of supportive services which we provide. If you would like more information, please contact us at (916) 967-6253. We will be glad to answer your questions.