Who is Qualified to Be a Foster or Adoptive Parent?

Being a foster parent is a big call and there are often misconceptions of who is qualified to answer it. Some believe they must have an idyllic life story, or be super-parents. Many believe they have to own a home, be wealthy or be a saint. Let’s clear up a few of those misconceptions!
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Here are 5 qualifications of a foster or adoptive parent:

Financially Stable
Singles, married couples, divorced individuals and widows are all able to become foster parents. Almost anyone over the age of 21 with stable income and housing, whether as renters or owners, are considered qualified. While the state provides a monthly stipend to cover some of the costs of caring for a child from foster care, foster parents need a stable source of income sufficient to cover the expenses of maintaining a household. It is not required for a parent to stay at home and there may be child care assistance available to working parents.
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Committed
These kids have gone through a lot already and it’s important for you to be serious about this journey. Whether taking in a temporary placement while a parent spends time recovering or taking in a child who is free for adoption, kids in foster care need security and stability. Committed foster parents see the most success. There can be extenuating circumstances, but being dedicated to kids, and providing a stable presence in their lives for as long as possible is crucial.

Loving
Kids need love and security just like the rest of us. Kids from hard places are no different. They may struggle, because of neglect and abuse, to recognize, receive and respond to love appropriately. Unconditional love, lived out through consistent, persistent, nurturing care promotes healing, emotional health and the ability to trust and love others.

Giving
A life of generosity doesn’t require grandiose gestures. One of the simplest ways to live a generous life is to open your home and your heart. There are hugs to be given, meals to be shared and memories to be created. Giving isn’t always physical, there are emotional needs to be met, too. Foster parents open their homes in an act of generosity to care for kids, sometimes for a short period of time and sometimes for a lifetime. We also have a Safe Families for Children ministry which creates partnerships between families to prevent kids from entering foster care.

Called
We understand being a foster or adoptive parent isn’t the right fit for everyone. It is a big calling and asks a lot of parents. We are looking for parents who feel at tug on their hearts to become involved in caring for kids for foster care. Christ doesn’t always call the most put together or the ones who feel ready. Christ often calls the lonely, broken and lost and makes all things possible through his strength.

If you are ready to learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, join us at our upcoming orientation. We can’t wait to meet you!