Family talking to foster agency representative.
So you are interested in becoming a foster parent, but now what? Choosing foster agencies is an important step that should not be taken lightly. Your foster agency will be the people who support you through this major life change, and you want to go into that decision with care and concern.
Support
When deciding on an agency, you should pick one that you feel will support you. That support should be ongoing throughout the entire process: prior to placement, during placement, and once the children have moved on, or in taking steps towards adoption. Your agency should offer ongoing training. This way members of your family can learn and grow in order to provide the best environment for the children. That support could also come in the form of offering your family periodic breaks: respite care. Ask about opportunities to still have a date night with your loved one, and if temporary childcare is provided.
Reputable Foster Agencies
Look into the agencies that interest you, and see if they are accredited. For instance, TFI has their accreditation through the Council on Accreditation. They also have the list of affiliations and licensures clearly posted on their website. If you find a foster agency that doesn’t list any accreditation, than you can (and should) easily cross them off your list.
Finding That Good Fit
Once you have found that foster agency that feels like a good fit, moving forward with confidence is so much easier! At TFI we hope that you look around our website to see what we have to offer! If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!