10 Surprising Facts You Probably Don’t Know About Foster Parenting

There’s no shortage of information about the process of becoming a foster parent, but that doesn’t mean that it’s all accurate.

Common misconceptions about fostering a child are unfortunate because they can prevent loving, supportive people from becoming incredible foster parents. We want to prevent that from happening, so we are sharing 10 facts about foster parenting that may surprise you. Let’s take a look.

1. It’s common — As of September 2016, there were 437,465 children in foster care. Nearly half of those children (45%) had support in the homes of non-relative foster parents.
2. There’s no age limit — There’s no restriction on maximum age, as long as you’re able to care for and support a child in your home.
3. You don’t have to be a parent already — Everyone is capable of providing a safe, supportive, and loving home for a child, regardless of their experience as a parent.
4. You don’t have to stay at home — Foster parents maintain full-time jobs and get support for childcare expenses, if necessary.
5. Medical expenses are covered — Foster parents aren’t responsible for paying medical insurance, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medical expenses.
6. Home ownership isn’t a requirement — Your home has to meet specific requirements, but renting isn’t an obstacle to foster parenting.
7. LGBTQ couples can foster — We support an inclusive environment in foster care. Foster children come from a diverse array of backgrounds. Foster parents should too.
8. You don’t have to be rich — Wealth isn’t a requirement of being a foster parent. As long as you’re financially stable and have room in your home, you can be a foster parent.
9. You don’t have to be a couple — Single foster parents have just as much to offer a child as married couples. Don’t let your marital status prevent you from making a connection with a child who needs you.
10. You’re not on your own — We’re here to support you, every step of the way. From navigating licensing requirements to supporting you and your child once they arrive in your home, we’re here to provide you with the resources you need to be a phenomenal foster parent.

You can do this. We want to help. If you're still not sure whether this is the right time for you, download our free guide, Is Foster Parenting Right For You?

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