The Rewards of Fostering a Teenager
Family Works asked some of our veteran foster parents to share their insights about fostering teenagers. Here is what they had to share. We hope that you might consider you and your family the right match for a teen in foster care!
What are some of the rewards of fostering a teenager?
- We love fostering teens! We can have deeper, richer conversations about life and guide them or prepare them for “the real world.”
- The connections we developed with the teens we cared for are amazing. Many of them still call us, text us, or come back to our home for holidays.
- Many of the teens we have fostered have been ready to process the trauma they have endured and the emotions they have. Teens just need a supportive person to show up for them and listen.
- Being able to help teens set realistic long-term goals is a huge step in getting them to feel like they have some control over their life.
What made you decide to foster a teenager?
- The need. There are so many more teenagers in need of support in our foster care system.
- They are more independent. They can participate in after-school activities, have a job, earn money, stay home alone (if it’s developmentally appropriate), etc.
- I knew I wanted to continue to foster but my husband and I had grown out of our “young children” years.
Are there any myths about fostering teens?
- Yes, that they are “dangerous” or “troubled.” They are surviving in the only ways they know how, and we can show them a different way.
- That they’re SOOO rebellious! All teens are rebellious!
- That they are going to be a “bad” influence on your children. In fact, the teens we have fostered have shown care and love to our children.
Do you have any advice for parents considering fostering a teenager?
- Talk to other foster parents who have.
- Talk to your licensing agency. Ask to review referrals for teens.
- Ask your own children what they think about it.
- Build your support system – you will need it (to foster any child really!)
Written by: Family Works Foster Parents
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