As you work on meeting the foster care parent requirements in Shasta County, you may have a few questions – and some nervous feelings about what is to come. It’s an exciting time, for sure, but it can also be a little intimidating. Let’s work through a few tips for prospective foster parents to hopefully help you stay on the right track.

Focus on Short-Term Foster Care First

For those who are interesting in adding a permanent member to their family, becoming a foster parent may or may not be the best choice. It is true that going from foster to adoption is a possibility, but that is not the main goal of the foster care system. The focus first and foremost is reunification with the birth family, and attention will turn to adoption from there. So, fostering in Shasta County is a good choice if you are okay with the idea of caring for a child on a short-term basis, and it’s possible that it will turn into a permanent arrangement down the line.

Be Honest with Yourself About What You Can Handle As A Foster Parent In Shasta County

Even once you have met the foster care parent requirements in Shasta County, you still need to be honest with yourself regarding what you can take on. If you decide you will say yes to any situation that comes along, you might wind up with more than you can handle. Getting into a difficult situation with a child that has special needs of one kind or another can be a big challenge, especially for those just getting started as foster parents. Establish a clear plan for what kind of situations you think you can handle and be honest about your limitations right from the start. Being realistic will lead to better outcomes for all involved. Everyone who meets the foster care parent requirements in Shasta County has their own individual limits, and it’s important those are understood and respected.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, contact Children First Foster Family Agency or apply to become a resource parent.

Children First FFA is a private, non-profit organization in Northern California that is dedicated to helping change lives by providing a safe place for children to heal in a culture of love, acceptance, and consistency.