Foster Care Placement

. 5 Myths about Fostering and Adoption . Frequently Asked Questions . Benefits .

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do children need foster care?

• They may need temporary care because of parental illness or family problems.
• They may have lost their parents through desertion of death.
• They may have been removed from their parents because of neglect, abuse or inadequate care.
• They may have been voluntarily released by their parents for adoption.
• They may need a temporary home while adoption is being planned.

Who are the children needing foster homes?

• Infants, toddlers, school-aged children, teenagers.

What can foster parents do for children?

• Nurture and accept them without trying to replace their natural parents.
• Give them a normal family life and a feeling of belonging.
• See that their health needs are met.
• Give them the guidance that will help them become good citizens.
• Involve them in community recreational activities.
• Cooperate and work with the local schools on their behalf.

Do foster parents need a special kind of home?

• You do not even need to own your own home. Typically, a rented home or apartment will meet licensing requirements as long as there is adequate and safe space per child.

What basic requirements must foster parents meet?

• Foster parents are of various ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. They are married couples, single parents, and single persons. The foster parents must be in good physical and psychological health and have an adequate income to meet their own needs.

Does the foster family have any choice in selecting a child?

• Yes. You and the agency caseworker will spend time together to assure the right match is made between yourself and the child.

How many children may parents foster at one time?

• No more than four children at one time. Most homes have one or two children. Every effort is made to place brothers and sisters in the same home.

How long may a foster child stay in a foster home?

• Most children are placed for a brief time only. Some may remain for several months and a few for more than a year.

Who covers a foster child’s expenses?

• The State of Michigan covers the cost of the children’s board, clothing, medical and dental care.

What is the first step in becoming a foster parent?

• Contact the Good Will Farm to discuss the details of becoming a foster parent. From there, you decide the next step!