Fostering vs. Adoption
Foster care parents provide temporary, nurturing environments for kids and teens who have been removed from their living situation. Foster families who open their hearts and homes to kids in need of care, play an essential role as they search for their forever families. With a growing amount of kids and teens in need of a place to stay, foster care homes are always in need.
Adoption is one of the biggest, most beautiful commitments a family could make to a child. When a family decides to adopt, not only are they receiving full parental rights, but they are committing to love, nurture and parent a child or teen that has fallen victim to an unfortunate, former living situation. Giving these children a second chance means the world to them. You can be the difference these children long for.
Foster parents are integral members of a child’s “team”
Too often, due to no fault of their own, children are removed from their homes because they are unsafe. This is a confusing and challenging time for many children. Whenever possible, our network of providers works hard to locate family members or close friends in hopes that they are willing and capable of providing a safe and familiar home during this time. However, sometimes this isn’t an appropriate option.
That’s where safe, loving, and committed foster parents come in. Foster parents make the transition easier by providing a safe space, both mentally and physically, for children who have already experienced so much. They are integral members of a child’s “team” and ensure all the child’s needs are met, possibly helping to strengthen the biological family. As a foster parent, you will have the opportunity to work with the child’s team, advocating for their best interest. You'll get to know a child in your community who needs you, and you might even attend some dance recitals or help study for spelling quizzes along the way.
You have something unique to offer our system of care! Some kids flourish with larger families, lots of activities, and furry friends, while others thrive in a quieter environment with more one-on-one attention. The more diversity we have in foster homes, the better our professional team can match your family’s unique strengths with the needs of our kids.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent and how you can support foster care in your community, visit My Florida Families - Foster Care.