Is Foster or Adoptive Parenting Right for Me?
Whether you are an older adult or a younger adult, single, or married, a working or a stay-at-home-parent, a home owner or renter, adoption or foster care may be a good option for you. The questionnaire below will help you determine if foster or adoptive parenting is the best choice for you now.
- I have enough room. You must have enough bedroom space and a standard bed for a foster/adopted child. A foster/adopted child may share a bedroom with another child of the same sex, but cannot share a bedroom with anyone over 18. Y/N
- My home is safe. During the home study, your Home Development worker will do a safety inspection of your home. You must have working smoke detectors, and a fire extinguisher is recommended. Y/N
- I am in good health. Being a parent can be demanding. You must be healthy and emotionally stable to care for foster/adoptive children. All those living in your home must provide a medical statement completed by a physician showing they are free of communicable diseases. Y/N
- I have not had a case of abuse or neglect. If you have had a Child Protection complaint, you may not be able to become a foster/adoptive parent. We will review our records as well as any other state where the applicant(s) resides. Y/N
- I have an adequate income. You do not have to be rich to become a foster/adoptive parent. However, you must have enough income to meet your own family's needs. During the home study, you will be asked to provide proof of income and to review family expenses. Y/N
- I am 21 years old or older. Foster/adoptive parents must be 21 or older, legally single or legally married and must have a driver's license. You may be divorced or widowed. Y/N
- No adult in my home has been convicted of a crime. If you or any adult living in your home has been convicted of certain criminal offenses, you cannot become a foster/adoptive parent. Each adult member in your household over age 18 will be fingerprinted. If you have specific questions regarding which crimes are prohibited, please call the number of the office nearest you. Y/N
- I am ready to begin a home study now. You are ready to begin the home study if your life and home are stable. "Stable" means that you are not about to move and are not having financial, marital or emotional difficulties or making any major life changes in the near future. Y/N
If you answered Yes to all of the statements, you are ready to begin the process of becoming a foster/adoptive parent. Please call us for more information and the dates of the next training.
Our next orientation is 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, Lutheran Family Services of Virginia office, 2000 Club Lane, Richmond, VA
Call Maurice Gallimore at 804-288-0122, ext. 34, or email mgallimore@lfsva.org for more information.
If you answered No, to any statement, please call us.
