| Many a time we come across a child whose parents | | | | the child's alternate support system, helping him to |
| do not act with his or her best interests in mind. This | | | | deal with the situation emotionally as well. The family |
| could be for any number of reasons and the child | | | | also participates and interacts with the child's social |
| could be subjected to physical or sexual abuse, or, in | | | | worker, doctor and teachers. |
| certain circumstances, abandoned. This is where | | | | Before you take responsibility for another human |
| foster care steps in. The foster care system takes | | | | being via a foster care program, it's important to ask |
| care of such children who might later enter the | | | | yourself some questions. Can you accept a child and |
| waiting lists of adoption. Alternatively, there are also | | | | provide it with the same love as you do to your own |
| some foster families. | | | | kids? Would your family be able to create an |
| Foster families are those that choose to provide the | | | | environment of permanence, when the very context |
| child a temporary home and family, a safe haven in a | | | | of the stay is temporary? Would you be willing to |
| time of crisis. While these families volunteer to do | | | | accept the child completely, overlooking his |
| such work, it is essential for them to fulfill certain | | | | background? It is natural for a child to be hesitant |
| requirements prior to committing themselves. A | | | | initially and not reciprocate your affection. Such |
| foster parent has to be at least 21 years of age. The | | | | drawbacks should be overlooked as one can |
| parent must not have an alcoholic or drug problem. | | | | overcome these with time. You must also adopt an |
| The prospective foster parents are run through a | | | | accepting attitude towards the parent though the |
| criminal background check, which they must clear. | | | | parent might be the chief reason for the child's |
| Under no circumstances can they have a history of | | | | problems. Finally, you must always be prepared to let |
| child abuse! | | | | go. |
| State laws do provide for financial assistance for the | | | | Sometimes, the birth family is judged to be unsuitable |
| foster families. However, it is essential for them to | | | | for the child, after legal proceedings take place. A |
| prove that the current needs of the family are | | | | foster family can then foster the child until the |
| provided for, without any external financial assistance. | | | | biological parents legally terminate their parental rights. |
| Spatially too, the house should allow for the easy | | | | After that, the foster family can adopt the child |
| accommodation of another member in the family. | | | | providing him not only the basic amenities but also |
| One must remember that the foster family does not | | | | the care and emotional support he longs for, on a |
| form a passive appendage for the child, responsible | | | | long-term basis. |
| solely for his basic needs. Instead they have to be | | | | |