Not sure you want to be a foster parent yet?

Sometimes it takes a little while to decide if fostering is right for you. Carrie Craft, the adoption and foster care guide at www.about.com, prepared a few things you can do to help you decide if becoming a foster parent is in your future!

• Get lots of experience with children of all ages.

  • volunteer at group homes

  • baby-sit for foster families

  • ask local agencies if they need volunteers to baby-sit during meetings

  This will give you experience working with children who may have been abused or neglected.

• Take trainings or college courses on children, child development and parenting. Family Studies may be a helpful area of study as well.

• Obtain a job that will support you and your family. You will need to prove that you can support yourself without the help of any outside funds.

• Find out about your state's age requirement on fostering. Do you need to be 21?

• If you are married, find out if your state prefers that you be married for a certain amount of time. Some agencies require that a couple be together for about two years before fostering. Yes, singles can foster. Know that if you do marry after you become a foster parent, your spouse will be required to take the foster parent training. Many states support gay and lesbian foster parents as well.

• Find an apartment or home that you can afford that is large enough for one or more foster children. Find out your state's requirements on bedroom size so that you don't wind up with a home with rooms that are too small. Yes, you can rent!

• You might also want to find out about bunk beds and other bedroom furniture so that you can start looking at garage sales and sales at furniture stores when you are ready. Many states don't allow bunk beds or trundles.

• How is your yard? Find out from your state about the following:

  • Does your yard need to be fenced?

  • Do you have a pond or swimming pool? What regulations does the state have on bodies of water?

  • Is your play equipment in good repair? Does it need to be anchored?

• Do you have adequate transportation? You will need a valid driver's license. A reliable car that is large enough to transport the number of children you plan on fostering. Some foster care placements require a lot of driving to appointments and visits with family.

• Prepare your family and establish your support system. Foster care is not easy. Let your family and friends know about your plans and listen to any concerns they may have. This will give you time to seek out answers and calm their fears before bringing home your first foster child. This will also let you know who your supporters are and who you can call on when you need a break or a listening ear.

When you're ready, call us at (513) 632-6366, request an information packet and register for an Orientation!