Prepare for your interviews as a candidate for fostering children.
Choosing to become a foster parent is a noble and selfless decision. The results can have numerous benefits for you and the children you care for. The approval process, however, can be frustrating and complicated at times. A few tips can help you prepare for and handle the required interviews with social workers so that the process runs more smoothly.
Show Your Imperfections
While it may be your first inclination to try to perfect your image and make things appear as uncomplicated as possible, you should show your imperfections instead. Your busy schedule, occasional family argument and even your inability to help out with math homework all make you human. Social workers are not looking for a perfect family from a magazine page, they want to place kids with troubled histories with families that can easily understand their shortcomings. Be honest and be yourself, rather than trying to explain everything or hide your flaws.
Ask Questions
You need just as much information about what is expected of you as the social worker needs about what you can offer to children. Ask questions about how the process works, what kinds of situations potential foster children might be in and handle difficult scenarios. Not only will this help you to understand your role more clearly, but it will also show the interviewer that you are taking the details seriously and that you have given some thought to the responsibility.
Showcase Your Assets and Skills
Other than your financial situation and your ability to meet the minimum requirements for qualification, show off some of your other skills. The interview process is your chance to essentially sell yourself. Explain why you want to become a foster parent, whether you are asked or not. This will help the social worker see the biggest asset you have, which is your desire to help children. Back up that desire with any relevant experience you have professionally and personally in regards to interaction with children.
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