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| Family Resource & Referral Center 934 N. Augusta Street Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: 540.245.5899 Fax: 540.885.2185 Email Us Here |
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Foster Parents are people who are genuinely concerned about the well-being of children and families. Foster parents recognized that, although they do the best they can, not all families have the physical, intellectual, or emotional resources to provide children with what they need to grow into healthy, happy, productive adults. Foster parents are acutely aware of the crises, stresses and social problems that result in the abuse and neglect of children, or, in the adolescent behaviors of truancy, running away or ungovernability. Foster parents are people who realize that sometimes family conflicts become so severe that, for their safety and well-being, children must be removed from their own homes until problems can be resolved.
FOSTER PARENTS
Foster parents are the people who, having come to understand all of these realities, choose to become the substitute families for these children in need. Foster parents provide the daily basics: food, clothing, shelter, and, the love, stability, guidance and discipline that all children need. Foster parents do all these things knowing that the child may only be with them for a short time. They know that foster parenting will not make them rich or famous. Foster parents are people who believe that children are worthy of their best efforts - every day.
Foster parents are people. They represent different ages, races and income levels. Most foster parents are married, but there are single foster parents too. Many foster parents have biological or adopted children living at home. Some have never had children of their own, and, still others have raised their own children to adulthood. There are foster parents who go to your church, work with you at your office or factory, or live in your neighborhood.
FOSTERING REQUIREMENTS
The basic requirements for becoming a foster parent generally include that you:
• Are 21 years of age, or older;
• Are in good physical and emotional health;
• Meet your state or local requirements for housing safety, space and equipment;
• Have the skills, attitude and stamina to effectively deal with the many behaviors and feelings displayed by children in care;
• Have a non-punitive attitude and can demonstrate some level of acceptance toward the parents of the children in care;
• Can work cooperatively with the representatives of the foster care agency;
• Are accepting of the temporary nature of foster care and can help a child transition back to his family or move on to a permanent or adoptive placement.
This agency does not screen or inspect homes or centers or in any way act as a regulatory agency. Since parental choice is a very important component of child care arrangements - we make referrals, not recommendations. It is the responsibility of the parent seeking care to verify that a provider's information is accurate and evaluate the quality of childcare being offered. Counseling, information and resources are available to assist parents in choosing the situation that best fits their child's needs. Referred providers are certified, licensed, and registered.