Why be a Foster/Adoptive Parent?

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There are so many children who need your help. There are many reasons why children need to live with foster or adoptive families. They may be victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, emotional mistreatment, or their parents may be unable to care for them because of their own disabilities, illness, death, or because they are overwhelmed by the child’s special needs. Poverty, homelessness, or alcohol and other drug abuse are also frequently factors. All of these tragedies are compounded by the  separation of children from their parents and are very difficult for children.

To work effectively with children and youth who have  experienced these tragedies and separation from their parents, foster and adoptive parents should have certain knowledge and skills called competencies. Foster and adoptive parents work in partnership with social workers in the child welfare agency and an array of other professionals in the community. Additionally, foster parents and sometimes adoptive parents, also work with the families of children in their care.

If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, training is provided to assist you. Twenty-one hours of training is provided using a curriculum developed by the Child Welfare League of America, referred to as PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education). When you have successfully completed PRIDE training you will have taken the first step to becoming a foster or adoptive parent.