What is Foster Care?

When children are not able to stay safely in their own homes and there isn’t a relative who can care for them, they often have to come into state custody. The Children's department’s first goal for children is to work toward a safe return home to their families. Foster parents provide nurturing and supportive homes in which the children’s emotional, physical and social needs can be met, while issues and concerns in the immediate family can be addressed.

Who is a Foster Parent?

A foster parent, in many ways, is just like any other parent. Their job is to love, protect and  nurture children to help them reach their full potential. But a foster parent’s role is unique in that it is sometimes only for a season. A foster parent may care for a  child only until they are able to be reunified with their birth family. This could be for a few days or a few years. For children who do not have the option of being reunited with their birth family, their foster family may be the next best option and given the opportunity to adopt by the department of Children's services. However, the most important role of a foster parent is to keep the child’s best interest in mind - whether that means reunification or adoption.

Being a foster parent no doubt requires a great deal of patience and sacrifice. It asks people to open their hearts and homes. It requires empathy and understanding. Children in foster care have experienced great loss and trauma, and need someone who is willing to walk with them through their pain to help them heal. Someone who will love unconditionally, and have compassion for their difficult background.

Fostering does not come without its difficulties, yet many say it is the best, most rewarding thing they have ever done.

If you would like to become a foster parent, please fill out theInquiry form and a Timeck Care staff member will be in touch.