Common Myths and FAQ’s About Foster Care
We want to separate fact from fiction and provide information so you can make an educated decision on how best to support children and families navigating the foster care system.
Top 6 Most Common Myths People Believe About Foster Care
Only married heterosexual couples can become foster parents.
Foster parents can be single, unmarried couples, separated, divorced, widowed, and sexual orientation has no impact on eligibility to become a foster parent.
Only those who don't work full time can be foster parents.
Foster parents can work part time, full time, be retired, or stay at home, as long as it does not affect the level of care needed for the child.
Only home owners can become foster parents.
Home owners and renters can be foster parents, as long as you can provide a safe and stable environment for a child.
You have to be wealthy to be a foster parent.
Foster parents come from all economic backgrounds. You need to be able to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
Foster care is a permanent situation.
Foster care is meant to be temporary. The primary goal of foster care is permanency, which is first reunification with birth family. When reunification doesn’t happen, alternative permanency plans are made (usually adoption or guardianship).
Foster parents are only in it for the money.
While most foster parents are given a monthly stipend to help cover basic needs of the child, it is not an income. Most foster parents are motivated by a desire to help children in need, and not by financial gain.
Top 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care
What are the qualifications to become a foster parent?
Qualifications include being at least 21 years of age, having a stable income, passing background checks and home safety checks, interviews, trainings, and a home study written up, stating that you have a safe and stable home environment and are qualified to become certified.
Who are the children who need foster parents?
Children experiencing foster care may be infants, toddlers, preschoolers, grade-school age, or teenagers. They come from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and families. They are like other children, each with their own special personality, abilities, interests and potential. Children experience foster care because of abuse or neglect that was deemed to make their home unsafe. These children may have higher needs related to their experiences, including the grief and loss of being removed from their family or parent.
Where do I start the process to become a foster parent?
In Polk and Yamhill County, you’ll start by visiting www.everychildoregon.com/polkyamhill/connect/. From there, you will complete an application with ODHS (Oregon Department of Human Services) and complete your interviews, background checks and training. We will help get you started so make sure you connect with us.
Can I adopt a child from foster care?
In Oregon, there isn’t a “foster-to-adopt” program through ODHS. The primary goal of foster care is permanency and when reunification with birth family doesn’t happen, adoption or guardianship is typically the next permanency plan.
What if I'm not able or ready to be a foster parent but I still want to help. What can I do?
Not everyone can be a foster parent but everyone can play a role in helping. Here are a few ways you can show up for kids in our community. Become a respite provider. Respite care is a great option to “dip your toe” into being a foster parent and it also greatly helps current foster parents take a break from time to time. Volunteer with REACH Northwest to provide services and tangible needs to foster families, volunteering with Foster Parents’ Night Out, and become either a one-time or monthly financial donor. Your generosity has a huge impact.
How long do children usually experience foster care?
On average a child in Oregon may spend 18-24 months experiencing foster care. Most often the length of time is related to birth parent’s ability to engage in services designed to help them keep their children safe. As a foster parent, you may choose the type of placements you will accept. Placements may last for only a few weeks or months, but can also last multiple years.