What does foster parenting require?

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To answer this question, I could tell you the paperwork needed, the spacing between cribs, the rules for travel out of state, the flexibility needed for family visits, or quite a few other “requirements.” However, the answer is actually very simple.

To be a foster parent you just need to be willing. If your heart is willing to begin, the rest will be learned and navigated on the foster parenting journey.

If you have a heart to help the hurting and are willing to open the doors of your home to someone in need of a bed, food, shelter, and love; then you have what it takes to be a foster parent.

There are many resources to be found on how to become trauma educated, so that you can be equipped to parent hurting children. There are many people who have traveled the road you are considering that would be happy to give you guidance and encouragement. But no one can make you be a foster parent (nor should they try). To be a foster parent or not is something you must choose for yourself. You are the one deciding, “Am I willing?”

God will walk alongside you. God will give you the compassion required for the hurt and injustice you will be witness to. God will work in you to give you the patience you’ll need to walk long roads, and the strength to continue if the road with a child is shorter than you imagine. God will work in you to build your endurance for the climbs you’ll experience.

The only thing he asks is, “Are you willing?”

You will be in awe of what God will do with you when all you have to offer is the willingness to begin.

2 responses to “What does foster parenting require?”

  1. JustAGuy Avatar
    JustAGuy

    My wife and I were more than willing to be foster parents. Being childless we thought this might be God’s will. We attended the classes and someone from the program came to our home to check it out. Sadly we were denied because my wife had received therapy for depression among other things. She was judged by the foster program people as not fit. This was very painful to accept. Especially when kids get abused all the time in foster homes.

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    1. Courtney Fillebaum Avatar
      Courtney Fillebaum

      I’m sorry this happened. There are others on such medications that are foster parents. All rules are in hopes they protect you and the children from further harm, however humans are humans and mistakes and bad decisions can be made. I hope you have found other ways to love and serve children, or perhaps try for approval again. Best wishes in all cases.

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