Understanding the Challenges of Foster Parenting
Foster parents embark on a journey that can be emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually draining. When you first expressed interest in becoming a foster parent to a friend or family member, you might have encountered a lengthy list of reasons against it. While these concerns are often valid—nearly half of foster parents across the country discontinue fostering within the first year. These high turnover rates not only impact the well-being of children but also reduce the number of new foster families needed in our communities. It’s crucial to acknowledge the risks involved and the reasons behind these challenges.

​

Here are the top three reasons foster parents choose to leave, along with strategies to help prepare you and your family for success:

• Underestimating the Impact of a Child’s Trauma 

It is widely accepted that a child's parents are their most significant figures. The loss of a parent can be the most traumatic event a child experiences. This trauma, regardless of how difficult their home life was, can disrupt normal development and functioning.

 

Children respond to trauma in various ways—some healthy, others less so. This often manifests in behaviors that may appear immature for their age, even if they are developmentally on track otherwise. Begin your parenting journey with a focus on understanding how to meet children where they are. The positive news is that, like any child, foster children are not inherently problematic; trauma can be addressed with the right treatment and support in a nurturing environment. 

​

Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care Training
Trauma-informed care training equips foster parents with knowledge about the origins of trauma, abuse, and neglect, as well as their effects. It also helps them recognize the signs of trauma and learn appropriate responses. Unfortunately, many who decide to foster enter the role without enough training to bear the weight of caring for a traumatized child. Thankfully, the foster community is becoming more aware of the educational and training resources available. 

​

•   Lack of Necessary Support

Lacking a strong support system can leave foster parents feeling isolated, carrying the burden and stress alone. This makes their journey much more challenging than it needs to be. When faced with difficulties and without anyone to turn to for help, foster parents may contemplate quitting or returning the child to the system. Managing too much alone can lead to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and confusion.

​

If you know someone—a friend, neighbor, or church member—who is fostering, consider becoming part of their support network. This could involve simply being a listening ear or offering practical help. If you possess relevant training and education, sharing insights or advice on challenges they face can also be invaluable. Any form of support can significantly impact a foster parent’s experience.

​

•  Confusion About the Role of Foster Parents

Foster care is intended to be a short-term solution. While in foster care, children need love, stability, and safety, alongside support for their emotional ties to their biological families. The process of reunification can involve a whirlwind of emotions.

This is a vital role in aiding the child and their family's reunion. Foster care families create welcoming spaces in their homes for these children, who thrive on consistency, care, patience, and support—not only from their foster families but also from parents in terms of communication with biological families. The impact of this partnership can be profound.
Foster parents are essential partners in this process, yet they often feel excluded from significant decisions regarding the child. 

​

Working Together for Change
The high turnover rate among foster parents is concerning, and we must unite to better equip these families with the necessary training, education, and support. Children in foster care deserve stability and a sense of belonging. By increasing the number of families educated and trained to address trauma, abuse, and neglect, we can reduce foster parent turnover. A strong support system empowers foster parents, enabling them to continue advocating for children in need.

It's important to note that every county faces a shortage of available foster homes, and the need for foster parents continues to grow daily. Over 140 million kids are considered orphans worldwide, with over 400,000 of these kids in America's foster care system. Each year, over 250,000 children enter the U.S. child welfare system and over 23,000 children age out of foster care. We can’t afford to keep losing qualified, loving families. 

​

Foster Care Exit Survey: A Vital Tool for Quality Assessment

The Foster Care Exit Survey serves as an essential resource for evaluating the quality of care provided to children in foster care. It gathers valuable feedback from foster parents to pinpoint areas needing improvement, ensuring the well-being of the children. The survey features a series of targeted questions aimed at capturing genuine insights, transforming them into better outcomes.

​

If you are no longer fostering, would you consider participating in the Foster Care Exit Survey? We are interested in your overall experience with fostering, not any specific placement. If you are willing to contribute, please click the button below.