For those who are interested in fostering a child, it is best to know first some important facts about it before making any final decision in taking care of a child. Oftentimes, fostering a child is mistaken for adoption because it has the same goal of taking care of a non-biological child. That is the only similarity that the two have and as a prospective foster parent, you should be aware of their differences before signing anything in order to foster a child.
We wrote here some of the facts that one should know about foster parenting:
1. Not Permanent: According to About Adoption, the first thing that you must know is that fostering a child is temporary unlike with adoption, which is permanent. The only time that a child can live with their foster parents permanently is when adoption papers have been filed and approved by a social welfare, or agency along with the child's biological parents if they are still alive. It could be a long process, but it is worth it once it is all done.
2. Does Not Have Complete Rights: Foster parents don't have all the rights when it comes to their foster child. This means that they can't make all decisions for the child and they still would have to ask permission from the child's biological parents in almost everything like education, religion, etc. In some state, even the child's haircut is still subjected to the biological parent's permission if they would allow it.
3. It Is All For Love: In an article published by Good Men Project, they wrote that some parents think that foster parenting could be in it for the money, prestige and other personal gains. But the truth is, this should only be done out of love and generosity to also help out other children experience having a good life.
Once you know these three important details about foster parenting, then it is probably time to decide whether this is for you or not. There are lots of agencies and orphanages to help you out before making that final decision.
