What is a foster parent?

A foster parent is a person who cares for children/youth who are not in their custody, children and youth who have entered the foster care system. Foster parenting is an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life during a time of crisis. Foster parents care about children and are willing and able to provide care and nurturing for the duration of the child's stay in foster care. Foster family care is a temporary arrangement until a child’s permanent plan is achieved, such as return to their own families or adoption. Foster parents are asked to complete an application, submit to home assessments and attend training. Foster families must demonstrate financial and emotional stability, responsibility and a willingness to work with the agency that supervises their home.

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1. What is Foster Care?
2. What is a foster parent?
3. What is the first step in becoming a foster parent?
4. How do I become a foster parent?
5. What are the basic qualifications for becoming a foster parent?
6. What are the requirements for becoming a foster parent?
7. Will I have to work with the child's parent?
8. Will I be paid to be a foster parent?
9. What are the board payment rates?
10. Will I get to choose the foster child for my home?
11. How long will the foster children remain in my home?
12. I am a single person. Can I become a foster parent?
13. What type of support do foster parents receive?
14. What about medical insurance for foster children?
15. As a foster parent, can I work outside the home?
16. Who pays for the foster child's clothing?
17. Do I have to own my own home?
18. Do foster children have to have their own bedroom?
19. Can I adopt a foster child in my home?
20. I am only interested in adoption and do not wish to foster, can you help me?
21. Can I take a foster child on vacation with me?