The bond between parents and their children is one of the strongest and most rewarding there is. If you have the chance and capacity to foster a child who can’t be with their parents, you might be able to experience that connection in a whole new way. Still, it’s important to give this role plenty of thought before offering your services as a foster parent. Use this guide to learn more about the process, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

3 Factors to Consider Before Becoming a Foster Parent

1. Family Dynamic Should Support Fostering

Becoming a foster parent requires a lot of spare time, from the preliminary training courses to routine check-ins from social workers. Not only do you need to have the time and patience to tend to these tasks, but your family needs to support your involvement too. 

If you’re currently raising a newborn or a toddler, your spouse is always traveling for work, or your older children are dealing with problems at school, you might not be in the best position to have a successful experience. While every family is different, fostering is a great choice for adults who don’t have children–or who have older children who can understand the situation–an ample amount of free time, and a supportive partner.

2. The Child May Experience Mood Changes

Children who are in the foster care system have likely dealt with some hardship. Some have lost their parents, been put up for adoption by parents who felt they couldn’t provide for them, or been removed from their homes due to some form of abuse or neglect. Therefore, they will be dealing with trauma that can result in mood changes. 

No matter how nice of a room you set up or how many family activities you plan, you’ll have to be prepared for the possibility that the foster child may be uneasy for weeks. It will be your responsibility to help them get through each day and provide emotional and mental support on top of physical care.

3. Be Prepared to Say Goodbye

Unlike adoption, fostering is not a permanent solution. Some children may get taken back in by their birth parents or relatives, while others may be adopted by a new family. Still, others may be transferred to other foster care families. 

Before fostering, you'll need to be okay with letting your foster child go. In some cases, you may be able to continue communicating with them after they move on, but it may come down to their own willingness and the permission of their adopted or birth parents.

If you can picture yourself as a foster parent, reach out to Lifespan Family Services of DuBois, PA. This trusted agency helps match enthusiastic caregivers in central and southwestern Pennsylvania with children and teens who need support. They can help you fill out all the proper paperwork, meet the necessary requirements, and open up your home to displaced youth. To learn more about their services, visit the website. Call (814) 375-1314 to speak with a friendly specialist.