Can I Be a Single Foster Parent?
To answer you simply, YES unmarried adults, either female or male, can be foster parents. The most important requirement for fostering, whether you are single or a couple, is that you must have a deep desire to love and care for children. Because you don’t have a partner to talk things over with you will possibly find that fostering as a single parent can require a little extra energy. Nevertheless, there is an abundance of support around you because you are part of Kids First strong network of carers.
Is Single Foster Parenting for You?
Can I Be a Single Foster Parent? - Kids First - Fort Worth, TX
Regardless of your marital status, your desire to care for a child by being a foster parent should come from your heart. Though parenting can be tiring, hard work, if your decision to become a foster parent comes from a place of passion and love for caring for kids, you will much more capable than you realize.The great news is that it is possible to be a single parent, and it provides you with the rewarding, life-changing experience of caring for a child.One of the most satisfying and rewarding things you can do is to become a foster parent.
Do You Have What It Takes?
The answer to this question can only come from you. Often it will take a leap of faith to answer “yes.” However you need to take the more practical aspects of this question into consideration and decide if you can manage foster parenting as a single person.
Is your lifestyle conducive to having a child in your home?
Is your work/life balance compatible with you being a single foster parent?
Do you have a support system of family and friends you can rely on?
Asking these type of questions when you are a single person, are important first steps, particularly if you are considering being the sole caregiver for a child.Your decisions on the gender and age of children you choose to foster are also impacted by who you are as a person and what you feel you can take on.
What is the Process of Becoming a Single Person Foster Parent?
Because different states have different laws, one of the first steps to take is checking your state’s requirements for foster parenting.Things such as verifying your identification information and age, income, and housing will all be examined in your application. You will also need to complete home assessments, background checks and foster parent training.
Expect the Unexpected and Know You are Making a Difference
All foster parents will agree that any curveball or struggle they face is far outweighed by the rewards.If you're in the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX area and have any further questions or to learn more about foster care and how to become a single foster parent please contact us at Kids First; we’d love to get to know you.