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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.