What to Consider Before Becoming a Foster Parent

Foster parenting involves providing a safe, stable, and temporary home for children whose birth families are unable to care for them until the children are reunified with their birth families or are adopted by another family.

Foster parenting aims to provide temporary protective services that support the child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, particularly since they have left the familiarity of their home and family or may have experienced a trauma or loss.

Foster parenting requires you to open up your heart and home to a child, which isn't always easy. As the child's transitional caregiver a foster parent needs to navigate the complexity of setting emotional boundaries.

We'll dig into the mental health considerations for foster parenting, some signs that you are ready as well as signs that you may not be ready yet, and some strategies that can help you prepare to become a foster parent.

At a Glance Foster parenting can be both challenging as well as rewarding. Before you embark on this journey, it’s important to evaluate yourself honestly and ensure you are equipped to deal with the challenges you may face, for the child’s sake as well as your sake.

Foster Parenting and Mental Health

These are some mental health factors you should consider before deciding to become a foster parent, says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.

• Fostering Is Not Permanent

The goal of fostering a child is to provide a safe home for the child until they can be reunited with their parents. Fostering is therefore not a permanent situation. The child’s biological parents still hold parental rights, therefore it's important to be mindful of your level of attachment to the child who is under your care because you might not get to see them again.

• Fostering Is Not Easy

Fostering children is an opportunity to contribute to society and can be very rewarding. However, it’s not easy. It is a full-time commitment that will require a lot of your time and energy.

• Foster Children May Have Special Needs

Children often struggle with changes to their family unit or environment. Foster children may be scared, anxious, or angry about having to leave their home and family. Additionally, they may have experienced losses or trauma that can affect their emotional and mental well-being.

Are You Ready to Become a Foster Parent?

These are some indicators that can help you determine whether or not you’re ready to become a foster parent, from a mental health perspective.

Signs You’re Ready for Foster Parenting:

• Flexibility
• Stability
• Social support
• Nurturing environment
• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Self-care
• Self-awareness
• Commitment
• Empathy

Signs You May Not Be Ready to Foster Yet:

• You struggle with flexibility.
• You have unaddressed attachment issues.
• You have a demanding job or an unyielding schedule.
• Your current level of stress is significantly impairing your ability to function.

How to Prepare for Foster Parenting:

Dr. Romanoff suggests some strategies that can help you prepare to become a foster parent:

• Educate yourself
• Assess your motivation
• Talk to your family
• Join a support group
• Volunteer