Interested in becoming a foster parent? Read more to find the answers to your questions about foster parent certification.
If you’re here, you have expressed an interest in caring for youth in foster care but aren’t sure if you’re qualified to be a foster parent. We’ve put together our most frequently asked questions about foster care to help you inform your decision about moving forward.
Before we dive in, here are a few things to know about fostering with Cayuga Centers. First, you must be 21 years old or older to become a foster parent. Secondly, most areas offer stipends or foster care payments, but you must have an income outside of foster parenting to support yourself and your family.
Now, let’s answer some questions!
Can I foster if I’m single?
Yes! You don’t need to be in a relationship to be a great foster parent. We have many single foster parents at Cayuga Centers. Click here to meet some of our single foster parents, like Sharika, Anthony, Kwame and Eric.
Some of our single (and married) foster parents didn’t have parenting experience when they first started fostering. That’s okay! We make sure our thorough training prepares you to confidently welcome a youth in your home.
Can I foster if I don’t own a home?
Sure! You don’t have to own a home, but there are some requirements for your living space. Matthew Robbins, our Director of Upstate New York Recruiters and Licensors explains:
“The physical living facilities must be in good condition and present no hazard to the health and safety of the residents,” he said. “Our licensing team completes a standard assessment prior to the living space being certified.”
Matthew notes that those who rent require proof of residency, and a copy of your renter’s insurance policy. You must have space for a child – that means a dedicated bedroom for your foster child. Depending on the state, there may also be regulations on which children can share bedrooms. Check with your local recruiter to see what the rules are in your region.
Can I foster if I don’t own a car?
It depends. Some regions require a vehicle, but Cayuga Centers also serves large metropolitan areas. The short answer is, at the very least, you must have access to reliable transportation.
“You are able to use whatever means that you use to get around without having a car to get the child around,” said Pittsburgh Foster Parent Recruiter Stacee Shannon, who praised the city’s public transportation system.
Many foster youth require transportation to and from appointments and court hearings. However, your treatment team can assist with transportation for those trips.
Can I foster if I’m a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?
Absolutely! Cayuga Centers does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We are proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community through outreach, employment and foster parenting.
“Our foster parents come from various backgrounds, and they all have something to offer a youth in care,” Shannon said.
Can I foster if I’m retired?
“There’s no such thing as being too old to become a foster parent,” Shannon said. If you are still healthy and capable of getting around, and can still be supportive of a youth, you can be a foster parent.
“Our older parents seem to have more time to give to a youth because they typically have more time since they are retired and are home most of the day. Being an older person does not disqualify you.”
You must be in reasonably good health to become a foster parent. Many times, a health issue does not preclude someone from fostering, but potential parents must pass a medical physical.
Can I be a foster parent if I have a job?
Of course. Since foster parents are required to have an independent income, it’s okay to work full-time. However, you must be prepared to take your child to and from appointments, which may fall during normal work hours.
These appointments include therapy and medical appointments. In some cases, you may be required to attend court dates. Like any family, it’s important to have a support system to help out. Note that any adult who is regularly around your child will also need to pass a background check.
Can I be a foster parent if I want to adopt?
“A lot of people that get interested in foster care want to adopt. We don’t automatically screen those people out for becoming foster parents, but the goal of foster care is reunification,” said Sarah McKenna, Cayuga Centers TFFC Florida Licensing Manager. “The goal is to provide a safe, loving home for children while their parents learn the tools and skills needed to be able to return them to a safe environment.”
However, there are situations where a biological parent’s rights have been terminated, and a child does not have other family or adults that can provide a permanent home for them. In that case, you may be able to adopt. This is why Cayuga Centers focuses on matching the right foster parents with the foster child from the beginning – it may be permanent.
“Our goal when we place a child is that that child stays in that foster home until it’s time for permanency, which means either adoption, reunification with family members,” McKenna said. “We don’t want a child to go into a home and then have to leave that home because that’s another traumatic loss for the child. So we do everything in our power we can to make the best fit possible.”
We know that there are more questions out there. Just check out our Ask a Foster Parent event filled with questions from people just like you! Feel free to also use our contact us form to find answers. We’re here to help. Remember, reaching out is the first step toward certification! We want to help you make the best decision for youth in foster care and your family. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child, contact us today to learn more about Treatment Family Foster Care.
Not ready to foster? No problem. Think about being an Ambassador, donate or share a social media post (or this blog) to bring attention to the need for foster parents.
