February 20, 2012 by clarkfcs
For some reason, a lot of myths and urban legends run rampant when it comes to what people believe about adoption, foster care and how the qualification process works. One reason for this may be that every state has different requirements for adoptive and foster parents. In general, many people believe that the standards for becoming a foster or adoptive family are nearly impossible and the costs far too high to ever be a viable option. Not true! Below are a few of the common myths we combat every day when it comes to who can be a foster/adoptive parents and how it works.
Becoming a foster/adoptive parent is too expensive.
If you work through a county agency, like Family & Children Services of Clark County, the only cost you will pay is for your family?s doctor appointments to submit the necessary medical requirements before you can become foster/adoptive parents. Costs for training, fingerprinting, home studies, fire inspections and paperwork are paid completely by Family & Children Services. If you choose to adopt a child, you will also pay the court and attorney fees when you go get the adoption finalized; however, these costs can be paid with non-reoccurring funds to cover up to $1,000/child.
I have to own my home before I can adopt.
You do not have to own a home to be eligible to be a foster/adoptive parent. Many people think that they cannot be renting their homes and still be eligible to adopt or foster, but that?s simply not true. People who rent are just as eligible to adopt or foster as homeowners. Anyone who applies to be foster/adoptive parents must simply demonstrate that they can provide a stable home.
I have to be married before I can adopt.
Single, divorced, married or widowed people are eligible to adopt or be a foster parent.
I have to say ?yes? if a case worker asks me to take in a foster child.
Many people think that just because they are approved to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, they must or should take any child that a Family & Children Services case worker asks you about. This isn?t true. In fact, if you have any qualms about taking a certain child or age, we want you to tell us your concerns. We would much rather ask another family than place the child with your family and then move him or her to another home a few months later if the relationship is not working well.
Often, foster/adoptive parents tell us that they?re worried they won?t get another opportunity to take in a child if they decide not to take any child we call you about. We will call again! A big part of our job is making sure we match the right child with the right family. That?s why we need foster/adoptive families to be very honest with us and with themselves. It?s normal to feel guilty if you think you cannot handle a certain age or if you think you won?t be able to handle some of the issues or challenges a foster child has. But rest assured that we will make sure we find the right place for that child, and we depend on families to speak openly with us.
Contact us! If you have questions about adoption, give us a call. We?re happy to lend our insights and talk about what it?s like to be an adoptive parent.
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