West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families
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BCF Support Article
What if I am still unsure if I want to become a foster or adoptive parent?
Category:
Foster Care
Updated:
3/10/2003
Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is not a decision to be made quickly. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
- Are you willing to complete the pre-service orientation and certification? Are you also willing to pursue and complete continuing education requirements of being a foster parent?
- Are your children willing to share your time and attention with other children?
- Is your whole family willing to share its time, space and possessions with the children who will be placed in your home?
- Can you provide positive and consistent discipline for a child without spanking or using any form of physical punishment or discipline?
- Do you have a lot of time to spend encouraging other people’s children to grow and develop to their fullest potential despite the problems they have encountered or may be dealing with?
- Are you willing to advocate for the children placed in your care so that they receive the services they deserve and the opportunities they need?
- Are you willing to share the child placed in your home with his or her family if that is part of the permanency plan?
- Are you willing for the child’s family to visit with your foster child?
- Can you help the child prepare for the return or adoption by another family?
- Is your family happy?
- Are you free from serious financial or personal problems?
If you answered yes to these questions, then we strongly encourage you to pursue your interest in becoming a foster parent and/or an adoptive family.
Fill out the foster/adoptive parent inquiry form.
