Introduction to Child Foster Care
Foster Care for Teens
Foster Care for Teen Mom's & Their Children
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Introduction to Child Foster Care
Give a child a future... see how far they go.
To a child, the world can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. But to a
child that's been abused, neglected or faces developmental or emotional
problems, the world can almost seem like it is out to get them.
Fortunately, you can make a world of difference when you open your home
to care for a child. Because you not only foster a child's growth and
happiness, you foster a brighter future - for all of us. Right now in
Alabama, there are hundreds of children that need foster care. Some
simply need foster care for a matter of days. Others may need foster
care until they are reunited with their biological family or a plan is
made for them to be adopted. But all of them share the need for a
caring, committed environment that can bring them the future they
deserve.
Who are the children that need foster care?
Children of all ages who cannot currently live with their natural
families due to risk of physical abuse, neglect or sexual abuse
Children from all ethnic and economic groups
Children with backgrounds or experiences that have placed them at risk
Children with developmental or physical disabilities
Siblings who need to stay together
Homes are desperately needed for teenagers and teenage moms and their
children (see below for more details)
Requirements for Foster Care: What they need most is your ability and
your care.
Families or individuals interested in providing foster care for children
are subject to an approval process. The main requirement is to have the
ability and desire to provide the type care needed by the child or
children served.
Foster homes can provide care for up to six children.
Children in foster care have a Social Worker assigned to them to support
placement and access necessary services.
Foster care applicants complete a 30 hour preparation course and receive
information necessary to prepare them for a rewarding family experience.
Families are paid for room and board.
You could be a foster family if...
All members of your family are willing to share their home with a child
who needs care.
You are at least 19 years of age.
All members of your family are in good enough health to care for foster
children.
You can provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere and regular, nutritious
meals.
Your home conforms to Alabama Minimum Standards for Foster Family Homes.
Your home provides enough space for the foster child.
You must be willing to undergo a thorough background check, including
criminal history.
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Foster Care for Teens
To become a successful adult, teens need one around for guidance.
Teenagers can be many things to many people. They can be promising
students. They can be budding athletes. And most importantly, they can
be the building blocks to a better tomorrow - for all of us. But no
teenager can become a successful adult without one around to guide them
and show them what it means to be one. Alabama has hundreds of teenagers
that need an adult just like you to offer them a place in your family.
They need an adult to share their insight and guidance. They need an
adult to offer them encouragement when they're down, and applause when
they've done well. By providing foster care to teenagers, you not only
help youths realize their full potential, you give growing children a
safe, educational and caring environment in which to do it. In the
process, it not only enriches their lives but yours as well.
Who are the teenagers who need foster care?
Healthy, average teenagers
Teenagers who have been neglected, physically abused or sexually abused
Teenagers with backgrounds or experiences that have placed them at risk
Teenagers of all ethnic groups
Teenagers with various degrees of mental, physical and emotional
problems
Teenagers who have brothers and sisters that they must be placed with
them
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Foster Care for Teen Mom's & Their Children
When a child has a child your can provide the birth of a better future.
Being a mother is hard enough. Imagine being a mother who is still a
teenager. Not add that your are a teen mom in foster care because you
have been neglected or abused. Words could not describe the helplessness
you might feel. There are many teenage moms in foster care throughout
Alabama. The good news is that the lives of these teenage moms and their
children can be brightened forever by one person - you. By providing
care for a teenage mom and her child(ren), you not only offer a better
environment in which a teenage mom can begin her role as a parent, you
help birth of a bright, positive future - for both mother and child.
Who are the teenage moms that need foster care?
Teenage moms of all ethnic groups
Healthy, average teenagers with one or more children
Teenage mothers who have been neglected, physically abused or sexually
abused
Teenage mothers with backgrounds or experiences that have placed them
at risk
What Teen Mom's & Their Children Need Most
Teen mom's in foster care need:
Parent Figure - Just because they have a child, a teen mother is not a
"grown" up. Teenage mothers still need an instructive, nurturing role
model in their lives to turn to.
Parenting Role Model/Mentor - This person coaches the teen mom through
the challenges of being a parent by sharing what they have learned
themselves.
Support System - With positive and supportive role models, the teen mom
is far more likely to succeed in school, as well more likely to gain the
skills needed to care for herself and her child.
Role Balance - Being a "teen" and a "mom" at the same time can produce
conflict. "Teens" go to school, have friends and go out on dates. "Moms"
are committed to focusing on their child's needs. Teen moms need
patience and understanding of this conflict while they learn to balance
these two roles.
Their children need:
Safety & Security - More than anything, a teen mother's child needs a
home and surrounding that is safe, secure and consistent. They need an
atmosphere where they can grow and develop.
A Permanent Plan - A child should always know who their parent figure is
going to be. This can be established through work with the teen mom, as
well as work with others involved in the case (social workers,
therapists, teachers, etc.). Assessments are made regarding the teen
mom's ability to provide for the needs of the child, or make plans if an
alternative permanent plan is needed.
Families or individuals interested in providing foster care for children
are subject to an approval process. The main requirement is to have the
ability and desire to provide the type care needed by the child or
children served.