Foster Parent Faqs

Many children in this country do not have stable homes and must be put into foster care. The need for foster parents is great and if you have the inclination to become a foster parent, it's something you should definitely pursue. This article aims to assist anyone thinking about foster parenting by answering some of the most frequently asked question on this topic.

What are the Requirements?

The requirements for becoming a foster parent are set by state law and will vary from state to state. Some requirements, however, are common to most states. For example, you will need to be at least 21 years old in the majority of states, although in a few states the age requirement is only 18. You will also need to show that you make an adequate income and pass a background check. Other common requirements include being a legal resident of the United States and being physically and mentally healthy enough to take care of children.

What is the Reimbursement?

Each state pays a reimbursement to foster parents to help cover the cost of caring for the foster child. North Carolina, as of 2018, pays foster parents $25 to $30 a day to help them meet their expenses. A critical point to remember is that reimbursement is not going to cover all of the costs related to fostering. The expense involved in paying for a child's clothing, food and medical needs will inevitably be more than your state reimbursement. No one should ever become a foster parent to obtain state payments.

What are the Different Types of Foster Parenting?

When most people think of foster parenting, they probably have the idea of a married couple taking an unrelated child into their home. Although this type of fostering is very common, other types also exist. Groups homes are another kind of foster parenting in which caregivers foster six children or more. Kinship fostering occurs when an adult who already has a close bond with a child, such as a relative or godparent, agrees to to become the youngster's foster parent.

Will I Need a Lawyer?

Legal issues come up often in foster parenting because the state has an obligation to look after the best interests of the child. In some situations, you might need a lawyer to protect your interests. For example, if the state decides to remove a child from your care and you do not agree with decision, you may need the assistance of an qualified family lawyer to present your case to the authorities.


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