Foster Care & Myths: #4 - State-mandated Placement.

Over the past several weeks I plan to do a series of articles and videos on the subject of foster care and myths. The series of short articles explore some of the various impressions and perspectives people have about foster care that are not accurate. My hope is to provide better information around the truth surrounding foster care.

This myth may actually surprise you. While it is true, the state who manages the needs of children that become wards of the state also manage the foster care placements yet they do not mandate that every foster home take every child needing placed. The foster care system uses and manages homes on a voluntary basis. While there is a daily reimbursement for the care of children and youth, foster parents can choose who and when they receive children. Let me explain.

We could look at a foster parent as a private contractor with the state. Sometimes through a private agency but nevertheless ultimately work for the state and efforts are made to follow a plan that a judge ultimately agrees to. We must note that the judge is the final authority Yet it is clearly recognize that as a private contractor there voice as well as their support system linens toward a healthy outcome and final resolve to bringing hope and treatment for a child or teen in their care.

Foster parents are the front line in the day-to-day operations and management of their household. Agencies and other professionals work together to bring about a healthy disposition of the foster care plan.

There are factors that contribute to the placement and management of a child or youth into foster care.

1. Foster Parents, while remaining committed to the care of children can choose when and who they receive.

It bears repeating, Foster Parents are in control as to who they choose to foster. For many agencies foster parents can identify the age or other demographic factors that fit their own children and home. If parents choose to only take pre-adoptive placement, and agency will work with them or if they should choose a younger versus older child they can also expressed that desire.
Often there are very complex and overwhelming needs that even the most experienced case manager is at a loss as to what expect. However, working together and setting healthy boundaries as well as sharing the responsibilities is vital.

2. Foster Parents have options in-spite the enormous expectations.

It takes an awful lot for foster parents to adjust schedules and needs of their own family. But we find most often does the parents are fairly self-sufficient and resourceful, often building their own network of support including those that could provide respite services or other childcare needs.

3. Foster Parents have rights as they work with agencies and state case managers.

Many states have adopted a certain set of rights for foster parents. In Indiana, as an example foster parents know can speak into the courts and the individual education goals because they know the children better than anyone else. The input of a foster parent is vital to the successful plan, even the reunification efforts.

4. Foster Parents follow guidelines yet there are liberties that encourage growth and learning for parents and foster children.

Agencies as well as the state often develop guidelines that provide flexibility and resources to help families grow and develop. It’s important to note that many foster parents are required to have continued education to maintain their license with the state yet there are many resources available as well as support groups for families.

It’s important to note that even though the needs of the child is paramount in that foster parents ultimately do work together as part of a reunification plan, foster parents do contribute to the success of any plan. Foster parents determine ultimately the success as long as they remain flexible and willing to learn.

MYTH #5 Click Here.