Have you considered fostering, even for a brief second? Have you heard anyone in your life talk about fostering and have become curious about the possibility for yourself?
Becoming a foster parent to any one of the 11,000+ children currently in Georgia’s foster care system is one of the most selfless, caring, and rewarding choices you can make. However, it can also be an intimidating choice to make. Welcoming a child into your home, even temporarily, is a big decision that can come with feelings of uncertainty, and it’s not a decision that should be made lightly.
Those who have considered the idea of fostering may be looking for a sign to take the leap and begin the application process. If that’s you, here are three crucial signs that let you know you’re ready to become a foster parent:
Sign #1: You’ve Already Looked Into the Requirements to Start Fostering
One of the first signs that indicates you’re ready to welcome one of Georgia’s foster children into your home is that you have started researching what it would take to become a foster parent. Performing even brief Google searches into the topic shows that you are interested in the possibility of providing a safe, stable environment to a child who needs one for a little while.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Foster Parent in Georgia?
If you’ve already looked into it, you probably know that certain criteria must be met in order to become a registered foster parent. These requirements include:
- Be at least 25 years old if unmarried
- Be at least ten years older than the child placed if married
- Provide proof of current residence
- Provide evidence of financial stability
- Live in housing with sufficient bedroom space or sleeping arrangement options
- Live in an apartment, condo, or home that meets safety standards/requirements and is located in a safe neighborhood
- Have reliable transportation
- Pass a background check
- Undergo training courses required to become a foster parent
Individuals or couples who meet the criteria and are ready to begin the application process to become registered foster parents in Georgia can start by calling Generational Child Care at 478-477-1289 or emailing us at info@generationalchildcare.com.
Sign #2: You’ve Mentioned the Idea of Fostering to Friends, Family, Coworkers, Etc.
Another sign that you are ready to pursue foster parent registration is that you’ve mentioned the topic to friends, family, coworkers, and others. Even if you’ve only spoken about it briefly or have lightly touched on the topic in conversation, the fact that it’s on your mind enough to bring it up is an indication that it’s in your heart, too.
Speaking with others about foster parenting is a fantastic way to help yourself process the idea and further wrap your head around the possibility of becoming a foster parent yourself. Those you speak with may offer encouragement, insight, advice, and positive opinions about it. Plus, it can help you determine who you can turn to for support when you decide to officially become a foster parent and begin caring for the children in Georgia who need your help.
Sign #3: You Understand What It Takes to Foster and Are Comfortable With It
The process of becoming a foster parent can seem intimidating and even a little bit grueling on the surface. There are background checks, home inspections, and trainings you have to pass. Plus, you may have to put in some work to prepare your home and get it child-ready.
Once you are a foster parent and have welcomed a placement, you will not only be caring for a child in your home for a temporary amount of time; you will also be interacting with case managers and others on a regular basis to ensure you and your child are receiving the support and care you both need. This may also include interactions or communication with the birth parents as part of the birth and foster parent partnership.
Additionally, it has to be acknowledged that the likelihood of a foster child entering your home with some level of emotional trauma will be high. It can be intimidating and challenging to help them work through their emotions in healthy, progressive ways. Your training will prepare you, but nothing compares to the hands-on experience of caring for a child who has experienced the type of turmoil that requires removal from their biological home.
And, in the end, the main goal of fostering is to reunify the child and the birth parents. Although you have spent months or even years caring for your child, working with them, and fostering a relationship with them, you may ultimately have to say goodbye once it’s time for reunification.
Some people may picture themselves going through all these steps or phases of foster parenting and walk away feeling uncomfortable or unsettled. However, if you understand what it takes or what might happen and still feel at ease with the idea, that’s a huge sign that you are ready to start fostering.
Are all signs pointing to you becoming a foster parent and fostering in Georgia? Get started by reaching out to Generational Child Care today!
We would love to speak with you about your interest in becoming a registered foster parent and opening your home to a child in need. We’ll discuss what you can expect as a foster parent and what it takes to get started. If you’re ready to find out more, give us a call today at 478-477-1289 or email us at info@generationalchildcare.com.
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