There are many myths about the foster care system and unless you have experienced it personally, it may be difficult to decipher fact from fiction.
Here is a list of the most common misconceptions people have about becoming and being a foster parent, as it is required at Child Crisis Arizona. Some answers may vary depending on the foster care agency you choose.
Myth: You have to be a stay-at-home parent to foster.Fact: Child Crisis Arizona does not require a stay-at-home parent. We ask that children under the age of 3 not be in childcare for more than 32 hours per week due to the attachment needs that children in care may have.Myth: Foster parents are in it for the money.Fact: The money that is received by foster parents goes directly to fund the needs of the child. Foster parents do not make enough to sufficiently compensate them for their time, mileage and emotional investment.Myth: An individual has to be married to be a foster parent.Fact: Child Crisis Arizona has many successful single foster parents. They have close family and friends they can rely on as their support system.Myth: Children are in care because of something they did.Fact: Children are in care because of poor choices their parents have made.Myth: The behaviors of children in care are too difficult to parent.Fact: Many children in care have typical behavioral issues of children their age and for those that have more challenging behaviors resources are available to families, such as, counseling, behavior coaches, mentors, CASA’s, support groups and more.Myth: I will get too attached to the child and won’t be able to reunify them with their birth parents.Fact: You will get too attached. However, Child Crisis Arizona offers consultations with the family, mentors and support services to help you and your family through the transition.
Becoming a foster parent takes time, dedication, compassion and the correct information.
