Across Western New York, more than 300 children are awaiting the safety and security that onlya foster care parent can provide. Unfortunately, this outnumbers the declining number ofcertified foster parents in Erie County. While many factors influence an individual’s decision to become a foster care parent, NicoleLuko, Foster Care Program Supervisor at Child, and Family Services, emphasizes thatmisinformation often impedes people from pursuing foster parenting despite the pressing needfor more caregivers. “There are so many myths surrounding foster care; it’s important to dispel them. Inaccurateinformation is one of the main reasons more people don’t take the next step in becoming a fosterparent,” said Luko. Myth 1: Becoming a foster parent means I’m adopting a child.False. The primary goal for any child in foster care is to reunite them with a biological parent orrelative permanently. If reunification is not possible, a foster parent may become a permanentoption for that child, leading to adoption. Myth 2: Once I become a foster parent, I am on my own.False. When you become a foster parent via Child and Family Services, the agency supports youthroughout the journey, equipping you with parenting skills, training opportunities, monthlycheck-ins and on-call support after business hours in case of an emergency. Myth 3: I need to change my health insurance to support the child I’m fostering.False. Children in foster care are enrolled in Medicaid, which allows them to get the healthcarethey need (and possibly didn’t adequately receive before entering foster care). Myth 4: A child who might not be a good fit for my home can be placed with me.False. There is a matching process that aligns the needs of the child with the skills and home ofthe foster parent before being placed to make sure there is a good fit for everyone. Myth 5: Individuals who are not married or partnered cannot be foster parents.False. People who are not married or are single can become foster care parents. At its essence, foster care is creating a period of stability for a child as their biological parentworks to create a safe, stable environment for them to return home to. “Kids can never have too many people loving them in their lives. As a foster parent, you don’thave to fulfill the role of a parent—you just need to provide love and care,” Luko stated. If you are contemplating opening your home to a child in need, Child and Family Services ishere to help. Founded in 1873, the organization supports foster care parents every step of theway. Learn more about becoming a foster parent today by visiting cfsbny.org/our-services/foster-care-adoption
