By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Did you know that there are approximately 6,000 children in foster care in Alabama (“Foster care,” n.d.)? Some children need foster care for a few days, and others for some time until they are reunited with their biological families or adopted. It is important that children in foster care be placed in a nurturing and secure environment and are provided the love and care that they deserve.

You could be a foster parent if you are 19 years old, can provide a safe environment for the child, your home conforms to the standards for foster family homes, household members are in good health, and all household adult members are willing to undergo a background check. If you are interested in fostering, as an applicant, you must complete 30 hours of preparation course to receive information on fostering. As foster parents, you can care for a maximum of six children at once if you have the space in your home. Each child and foster family will have an assigned social worker for support. Families will also receive a monthly payment for room and board (“Foster care,” n.d.).

Fostering is rewarding for both foster families and the child that needs care and love at that particular time. Children in foster care must know they are loved, valued, and have worth. When I was a nurse on a mother/baby unit, I noticed that many children went into the Department of Human Resources foster care system, and I knew that I had to do something. I went home and talked with my husband about how we should open our home to foster children that need a loving and stable home. He agreed; we have been foster parents for one and a half years. We have had several children in and out of our home, and we have loved each child as our own biological child.

If you think you and your family will be willing to open your home to foster children needing a stable home, fill out a foster care inquiry form at Foster Care – Alabama Department of Human Resources. Will you make a difference in a child’s life that is in need for a loving home? There is hope for every child in foster care.

References

Foster care. (n.d.). Alabama Department of Human Resources. https://dhr.alabama.gov/foster-care/