Arizona has nearly 12,000 children in foster care. Whether temporal or permanent, these children are in need of safe, supportive, and loving homes to help them thrive. Adults can provide them with the help they need by becoming foster parents or alternatively by donating to the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, which funds a variety of support services for foster children throughout Arizona.
As a foster parent, you are responsible for providing a safe environment for children while their parents are unable to care for them for any reason. However, becoming a good foster parent isn’t just about making sure that you have a safe home. There are several steps you can take that will increase your connection to your foster children and allow you to offer a nurturing environment.
Tips for How to Be a Good Foster Parent During Changing Times
We understand that being a foster parent is challenging. However, it is always worthy and rewarding, especially when you help make a difference in a child’s life. Here is some excellent advice that might help If you are planning on becoming a foster parent in Arizona.
Prepare Yourself and Your Family for the Life Change
When opening your home and heart to children in foster care, consider that these children have different histories and stories. It might take time to fit into your family’s expectations or lifestyle. There is no perfect time in life to take placements. We encourage foster families to be compassionate and patient and to adjust their lives to meet the child in foster care needs.
There are a lot of steps in the process of becoming a foster parent–including home studies, training classes, and plenty of paperwork. There are also rooms to prepare and a house to get ready! As you dive into that process, don’t forget to prepare yourself and your family for this shift in your lives. Talk to other foster parents and get a feel for what this life change is going to look like in your home and the steps you need to take to prepare for it. Don’t forget to prep your any other children living in the home
Learn How to Be Child-Centered and How to Put Their Needs First
When you have a foster child in your home, it’s important to put their needs first. You may have to set aside your own expectations and even needs, especially when you first move a child into your home. Learn how to create a child-centered environment. That may mean making adjustments to your schedule and plans in order to fit the needs of the child, whether that means fitting in therapy sessions and visits with siblings and biological parents or adapting your sleep schedule to fit the requirements of a child who is struggling to go to bed at night.
Children in foster care are of different ages, ranging from infants to teenagers. In most cases, their past experiences and separation from their families affect them in different ways. When providing care, be mindful of the child’s likes, desires, habits, needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Doing so will allow you to provide a caring, nurturing environment where children can heal from their experiences and grow to their fullest potential.
Support The Child’s Cultural Connection
In many cases, children in foster care may be from a different background than yours. They may have a very different culture than you’re used to–and that can make it even harder for them to be separated from their families. Keeping kids connected to their culture is perhaps one of the most important foster parent tips. Many kids in foster care, especially the young ones, often lose touch with their cultures when placed in different foster homes. Culture involves things like social habits, food, and language. Foster parents should spend time with their children to understand their culture and background, such as family activities, traditional foods, and norms.
By learning about and tuning into the child’s culture, your family can practice cultural sensitivity and help the child feel welcome and at home. You might consider creating a consistent ritual to help the child adjust if they do not remember anything. Finding ways to support their connection to their culture can include:
- Learning how to prepare foods from their culture (They can often do this with you!)
- Encouraging visits with siblings and other family members
- Adapting your traditions to include some of theirs
Complete Any Recommended Training before Taking a Placement
Adults in Arizona willing to take children for placement must complete the required comprehensive training to acquire a license to be foster parents. In addition, sometimes helping kids in foster care can be challenging, so you need the training to understand the kids better, boost your personal growth, and become a prospective foster parent. Many foster care licensing agencies, approved by the Department of Child Safety, offer training and help to become licensed foster parents.
Identify Community Support for Foster Care
Don’t be afraid to seek help; you need support for your overall well-being and build resilience as you open your home to a child in foster care. Take advantage of the many support groups, annual events, and credible Facebook groups for solid foster parent advice in Arizona. Additionally, you can tap into your foster care licensing agency for support and extra training.
Being a foster parent can be incredibly difficult. Many children have experienced significant trauma–and any time you bring a foster child into your home, you’re creating change to your routine and household. There are many community support programs that can help, which may include:
- Financial resources or closets you can take advantage of to get supplies for foster children in your care
- Support groups–for both you and your foster children
- Community groups that offer respite or other types of support services
By getting to know the foster parent resources that are available to you, you’re better positioned to take advantage of those services when you need them.
Help Support Children in Foster Care Today
If you are unable to be a foster parent, you can still make a positive impact on children and youth in foster care by donating to AFFCF. We simply cannot do what we do without you. Our donors’ generous support allows us to work toward our mission of creating opportunities to build self-esteem and empower children and youth in foster care. We rely on them to fund the dreams and hopes of children in foster care in Arizona. Every donation helps change the story for kids in foster care. And because AFFCF is a qualifying foster care organization, your gift may be eligible for a credit on your Arizona state taxes.
The maximum amount an individual can donate and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit is $500, while a couple can donate up to $1,000. Be sure to consult your tax professional for more information and to learn whether you are eligible for the tax credit. There are many other ways to support AFFCF without making a financial contribution. AFFCF is grateful for all contributions that help us better serve children and youth in foster care. Contact us for more information.
Are you interested in becoming a foster parent? Do you want more ways to give to youth in foster care? Get started on your journey today!
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