Are you thinking about fostering a child? Do you think your home or your family would be a good fit for a foster child? KidLink Community Services is here to help.
But how do you know if fostering is right for you? Ask yourself these questions to find out:
Can I provide a foster child with love?
The most important aspect of fostering a child is to ask yourself this one question: Can I love a foster child?
Loving a foster child is key to a successful stay in foster care. Often, foster children can come from rough and potential traumatic experiences and situations, and it is your duty to provide them with the love and support they need to take positive steps forward.
Can I provide a foster child with a stable home?
As mentioned above, a foster child often comes from a tumultuous situation and a stable home is key. It does not matter if you are single, already have children, or even have a big or small home. The main requirement is providing a safe space for the foster child to learn and grow.
Am I willing to listen?
Your foster child comes from a different environment than you. They have different experiences and different needs — and you have to be willing to listen. You have to be able to listen, work towards solutions, and take positive steps towards growth day-in and day-out.
Am I willing to give my heart to children, regardless of the outcome?
As a foster parent you will find yourself loving children without knowing how the story will end. You will wonder if it’s safe to let your guard down and fully love children. Our brains are not build to “compartmentalize” our emotions to guard against disappointment.
You will love these children. You will become attached to these children. When a child leaves, you will go through a grieving process and then prepare to do it all again. You have to be committed to doing hard things and knowing that your job is to make a difference in their lives while they are with you, regardless of the length of stay.
Do You have an Excellent Support System?
Foster parents cannot do this work alone. If you are considering foster care, think about the people in your life.
Will they support you? Will they be there for you? Think about the relationships you have in your community and how they can be of help. Talk to your friends and family about providing that ride when you can’t get away from work or that hour or two of childcare when you need a break. Foster Parenting is hard and you WILL need to call in favors. Make sure you have a strong support system behind you to prevent you from burning out.
If you answered yes to all three of these questions, then you are a great candidate to adopt!
Have questions? Want to foster? We’re here to help!
KidLink Community Services, located in Brentwood, Tennessee, is here to help with your foster care needs. Whether you are thinking about fostering a child, need therapeutic services for your foster child, or are thinking about fostering to adopt, we are here for you.
Contact us today by calling 877-714-1313. Our foster care experts are available to answer any questions about foster care you may have and help you get started when it comes to changing the life of a child for the better.
