Being a foster parent can make a real difference in the life of a child.
Tennessee, as well as other states, has specific guidelines to follow in choosing who can become a foster parent. It is not a fast process and you will undergo training and an application procedure in order to become a foster parent. If you have time, room in your life, and schedule to give a child plenty of attention and care, it is a selfless way to make the world a better place, one child at a time.
Instructions
1. Qualify to begin the process by being at least 21 years of age, healthy and have the financial means to support a child.
2. Acknowledge the fact that a child that comes to your home will probably not be well adjusted and exhibit perfect behavior. Although, quite often, establishing a routine and gaining the trust of the child by reassuring him that you are ready and willing to provide for his well being, is all it takes to create an easy rapport.
3. Open your heart as well as your home. As of May 2010, the Department of Children's Services states on their video that there is a large need for foster parenting teenagers, African American children and large sibling groups.
4. Determine whether you can make a long-term commitment to a child. Oftentimes, a foster child may come to your home for a very short period. The goal is to nurture and care for these children no matter what length of time; they are in your home.
5. Contact the Department of Children's Services in Tennessee by calling 1-877-DCS-KIDS.
6. Prepare to carve out time in your schedule to take a 30-hour class in order to become a foster parent. The class is called PATH and stands for Parents as Tender Healers. The instructions you receive in this class will prepare you for unexpected situations and answer any questions you have on nurturing foster children.
7. Expect to be fingerprinted, provide five references, and undergo a criminal background check and to wait approximately four to six months until you are approved.
8. Undergo a home study conducted by a local or regional facility.
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