An Introduction to Foster Care
An overview of what foster care means to Sevita, how to apply, who is eligible and what the foster care process looks like.
Every person has the right to live well.TM
LGBTQIA+ individuals are making a positive impact in the foster care system. Learn about the strengths they bring and the steps to becoming a foster parent!
Foster care provides safe and loving homes for children who need them.
However important foster care is, it's the loving foster parents are the real heroes. They step in to care for kids when their own families cannot, offering stability, support, and love during tough times.
This is important because every child deserves a chance to grow up in a nurturing environment.
No matter who you are, fostering a child brings joy and happiness.
Hear it firsthand from former foster parent and Mentor Foster Care Family Development and Evaluation Specialist Erin Page-Brown:
“There are so many things that make it worth it. It is definitely fostering and adopting, but very much fostering, and that idea of fostering the family has been incredibly life-changing for me in such a good way.”
The key here is that anyone can foster as long as they meet the state requirements — including LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Erin Page-Brown is pictured here with her significant other.
This is great news for foster care since there’s always a growing need for loving foster parents!
In fact, LGBTQIA+ individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives to fostering and helping to meet the diverse needs of children in care.
Today, more LGBTQIA+ individuals are becoming foster parents than ever before.
Many agencies and organizations recognize the value that LGBTQ foster parents bring and actively support their inclusion in the foster care system.
Despite this progress, some LGBTQIA+ individuals may still face barriers when trying to become foster parents.
However, many states and agencies are working hard to create more welcoming and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ foster parents.
LGBTQIA+ foster parents offer several unique benefits for children in care:
Welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals into the foster care system creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children, helping them to thrive and grow into confident, well-rounded adults.
The journey to becoming a foster parent begins with understanding the basic requirements. The process is no different for LGBTQIA+ individuals since they must meet the same qualifications as any other potential foster parent.
The requirements generally include:
Once the initial requirements are met, LGBTQIA+ individuals can begin the application process. Here are the key steps:
LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique legal considerations when becoming foster parents. Here are some key points to consider:
By understanding the requirements, navigating the application process, and being aware of legal protections, LGBTQIA+ individuals can successfully become foster parents and provide loving, supportive homes for children in need.
Unfortunately, some LGBTQIA+ individuals may face unique challenges when becoming foster parents. However, there are ways to overcome them.
Some of the most common challenges include:
Though the foster parent journey may include challenges for LGBTQIA+ individuals, there are ways to overcome these obstacles. Here are some things to consider for LGBTQIA+ foster parents:
Navigating your foster care journey can feel overwhelming at times — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care.
You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in care, and much more.
An overview of what foster care means to Sevita, how to apply, who is eligible and what the foster care process looks like.
Wondering who makes a good foster parent? Before you decide if it’s right for you, here are some of the qualities that foster parents need.
Foster care is an essential way for some children and families to receive the support they need to thrive. Learn more about becoming a foster parent...
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