IS FOSTER PARENTING RIGHT FOR YOU?

The following questions will help you assess whether you have the characteristics common to most successful foster parents and whether your current life circumstances are favorable for foster parenting.  It is important to consider each item carefully and answer as honestly as you can. 

Are you ready?

• Do you love children and truly want to help them?
• Are you flexible and able to adapt to changing situations?
• Can you accept a child who may not immediately respond to you?
• Can you set firm limits and standards of behavior and then follow through with consistency and patience when the child has difficulty following directions?
• Can you view small improvements as victories and accept setbacks as normal?
• Can you work with the child's birth family, Gardner-Simmons Foster Home Program staff, Mississippi Department of Human Services staff, and other service providers, to help the child overcome challenges and develop life skills?
• Can you accept suggestions and feedback from those listed above?
• Can you accept and nurture a child whose goals may be: 

Returning to his or her birth family

Adoption

     Independent Living

Is your family ready?

• Do all of your family members understand and support your commitment to foster parenting?
• Is your family ready to share their home?
• If you have children, how do they feel about having to share their parents?

Is it the right time in your life?

• Is your household employment situation stable?
• Is your household financially sound?
• Is your lifestyle a good role model?
• Can you invest time in pre-certification and ongoing training?
• Can you devote significant time and energy?

Is your home suitable?

• Is it large enough to comfortably accommodate another person?
• Is your home located in a safe neighborhood?
• Are you able to transport a child to meetings and appointments?

Still not sure?

It is normal to have questions and concerns about foster parenting.  We can provide the answers and help you make an informed decision.

Convinced that foster parenting is right for you?

Then call us at (662) 844-4433!