There are many myths about foster care. Check your understanding by answering the following questions.

1. The purpose of foster care is to provide permanent homes
   for children.
   
   False. The purpose of foster care is to provide a temporary home for children until their family can stabilize.  Foster parents often adopt their foster children but this can happen only if the child’s biological parent’s rights are terminated.
    
2. Only younger adults can be foster parents.
   
   False. Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age but there is no maximum age limit.  Older adults and retired persons make excellent foster parents.  Good physical, emotional and mental health are required to become a foster parent.
    
3. You must be married to be a foster parent.
   
   False. You can be married, single, divorced, separated or adults willing to co-parent.
    
4. Only people who have children or whose children are grown can be foster parents.
   
   False. You do not have to be a parent to be a foster parent.
    
5. People who work full-time cannot be foster parents.
   
   False. You may work full-time or part-time as long as the children have appropriate childcare.
    
6. You must own your own home to be a foster parent.
   
   False. You may live in an apartment or rent a home. Your residence must pass a home inspection and have adequate bedroom space.
    
7. Only families that are wealthy can be foster parents.
   
   False. You must be financially stable and able to meet your household expenses. You will receive a monthly board check to help cover the cost of caring for a foster child.
    
8. Only younger children are in foster care.
   
   False. Most of the children in care in Hamilton County are school age and part of a sibling group. All of our children have been abused or neglected or at risk of abuse or neglect.
    
9. Only urban areas need foster parents.
   
   False. All areas in Hamilton County need foster families willing and able to take a child while their family stabilizes.