Can I be a Single Foster Parent?
There are many single foster parents giving children a safe and stable home environment and helping them heal from traumatic experiences all across the state of Wisconsin. Many individuals that are considering becoming foster parents have questions or doubts that may prevent them from reaching out and getting their foster care license. This may be due to the myth that foster parents need to be married, however, marriage is not a requirement in any state in the United States. In fact, single foster parents are a huge part of the foster care community in Wisconsin and all around the United States!
Whether you’re single, dating, married, or divorced, each group has their own unique qualities and experiences that they can share with children in their home. Each can offer stability, safety and a loving home environment to a child in need. Having a diverse group of foster parents helps agencies and county partners to place children in homes that are the best fit for that individual child or sibling group. While some children may do best in a household with two sets of hands, others may thrive with a single mother or father. There are many times when a child may flourish with individual attention and one-on-one support!
Am I able to work full-time as a single foster parent?
Most foster parents work full-time, even single foster parents; however, you must be able to meet the needs of the foster child. As a single foster parent, you may be required to take time off work, have a flexible work schedule, or have a great support system in place for sick days, appointments, court hearings and other meetings.
Having a strong support system is so important when jumping into the foster parent role. No matter the age, gender and needs of the children that you welcome into your home, you will need a reliable support system in place. When thinking about becoming a foster parent, make sure to consider the following questions: Do you have a healthy support system in place? What friends and family are a support to you?
“If you have a strong support system, you will do great!” – Single Family Works Foster Parent
In addition to your personal support system of friends and family, it is important to have a good connection with your social worker and aim to build connections with other foster parents. Family Works social workers are available 24/7 to ensure foster parents always have the support they need, even on evenings or weekends. Family Works also offers monthly case consultations which give you opportunities to connect with other foster parents and ask for support.
“If you have a strong connection with your social worker, it makes it so much easier. My Family Works worker is absolutely amazing!” – Single Family Works Foster Parent
Although having a strong support system is great, you still need to remember to take time for yourself. Self- care is extremely important and needed to ensure that you are staying mentally healthy while being in such a hard role. Self-care looks different for every person, sometimes that means going for a walk, reading a good book, reaching out to a friend/ family member to vent, or going to therapy and processing with a therapist.
“Make sure to take care of yourself by seeking therapy. As a foster parent, interacting with foster children can often bring up unresolved issues within yourself. We are sometimes unaware of our inner wounds, but foster children can bring them to the surface. Remember, as a foster parent, you are not just providing a gift to the children, they are also a gift to you. They have come into your life to support your personal growth and development. See your interactions with them as opportunities for mutual growth.” – Single Family Works Foster Parent
You can absolutely be a foster parent as a single parent. You just simply need a flexible schedule and a strong support system! Are you interested in learning more about fostering as a single parent? Our team at Family Works can help you start the process. Reach out and start your foster care journey today!
“Take a leap of faith and go for it!” – Single Family Works Foster Parent
Additional Resources:
Single Parent Fostering: You Can be Single and Foster a Child | FosterUSKids
Written by Family Works Social Worker Samantha Ross
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