Are you ready to be a foster parent and help a child needing unconditional love? Seraaj Family Homes, Inc. can assist you with making the choices that are right for your family. Let’s discuss a few common myths about fostering and answer some frequently asked questions.
Being a foster parent is not a decision that can be made lightly. Most people think about it for years before they make any steps to complete the classes and become licensed to foster. At Seraaj Family Homes, Inc., we want our foster parents to make informed decisions based on their strengths and needs.
Let’s jump right into it and help you learn about fostering. Here are a few frequently asked questions that may shed some light on what it takes to become a licensed foster parent. The process involves a dedicated team that works with your family to make sure you are informed on every step.
Foster Care Q&A –
1. Who can be a foster parent? The key to this question is safety! As a potential foster parent, your partnership team which includes our social workers and placement leaders, will work with you to complete all necessary paperwork and ensure you are ready to meet your new family member when it’s time. There are minimum age requirements, but no maximum. We protect your entire family in the process.
Foster mom and veteran Tammie Rice gives back as a foster parent and leader in her community.
2. Can I be a foster parent if I am single? Families are unique. The average family is structured in many ways because life does not have a rule book. Being a single mom or dad is perfect for fostering! Fostering is a great adventure for many empty nesters. It’s a way to build companionship while helping a child or youth in need.
3. I don’t have an extra bedroom, can I still be a foster parent? Of course, you can! As long as the child you agree to foster has their own sleeping and living space (bed, clothing space, etc.), then there is no need to remodel your home. Each situation will have specific requirements regarding age, gender, and accommodations.
4. What if I get attached? We want you to get attached. In our training courses, we teach you how attachments and bonds will benefit you as a foster parent. It is okay to be attached and to allow your foster child to grow. No worries! We will walk you through it all.
5. Will I have help? Our foster families are a community group. Once a month, there is a meet-up for training and fellowship testimonies of success, peer support, and laughs are shared! You will also have 24/7 support from our virtual and remote staff who are always accessible to assist you in our partnership in parenting.
The Miller Family is a “Legacy Fostering” group. There are several generations of foster and adoptive parents in this amazing family from Birmingham, Alabama.
So there we have it, our most frequently asked questions. We hope sharing this may ease a little bit of your thoughts. Fostering is a huge step for your family. We have foster parents who have been dedicated to helping youth with Seraaj Family Homes, Inc. for more than 25 years. We know this is a committed task. We also know that this is a rewarding journey. You will laugh, you will love, and you will grow. Are you ready to be a foster parent? 