Introduction to Foster Parenting

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? If so, this is the podcast for you! We talk with Arnie Eby, the Executive Director of the National Foster Parent Association and a foster parent for 22 years; and Angie Jones, a licensed clinical social worker and the Intensive Service Foster Care Recruiter and Trainer at Vista Del Mar, an agency placing foster children.

In this episode, we cover:

  • What is the goal of the foster care system?
  • How to become a foster parent?
  • What are the typical requirements for becoming a foster parent? 
  • What disqualifies you to become a foster parent?
  • What type of pre-service training is involved?
  • How long does it usually take to become a licensed foster parent?
  • Who licenses foster parents?
  • What types of questions should parents ask when deciding on which agency to work with?
  • What are the different levels of licensing for foster homes? 
  • Do foster parents get paid?
  • Can you foster if you rent your home or apartment?
  • Does one parent have to be at home if they want to have infants or young pre-school aged children placed with them?
  • How much control do foster parents have on which child is placed with them?
  • What is expected of foster parents when a child is placed with them?
  • Can you travel with a foster child? Out of state? Out of the country?
  • What is shared parenting or co-parenting?
  • What type of support should foster parents expect from the agency they are licensed through?
  • Is it possible to adopt your foster child? 
  • How do you foster and adopt?
  • How much control do foster parents have on visitation, medical treatment, mental health care, and reunification?
  • How to cope with the grief when a foster child leaves?
  • Where can foster parents turn for support?

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Music Credit: Michael Ashworth