MYTH: It’s really hard to become a foster parent.
FACT: It’s not as hard as you think! While there are guidelines for approval and a detailed process, CT FOSTERS will help you through every step of the way.
MYTH: You must be married to be a foster parent.
FACT: People who cohabit, or are divorced or single may be foster parents.
MYTH: People with criminal records or past involvement with DCF cannot be foster parents.
FACT: DCF evaluates each family on a case-by-case basis. Each person’s situation is unique and can be discussed with CT FOSTERS for further consideration.
MYTH: You must own your own home to be a foster parent.
FACT: Home ownership is not a requirement. May foster parents rent their home or apartment, provided their the landlord permits it.
MYTH: You cannot foster if you are in the LGBTQIA+ community.
FACT: CT FOSTERS does not discriminate on the basis of gender identification or sexual orientation.
MYTH: Only people who have children can be foster parents.
FACT: Parenting experience is not a requirement. You will receive training and support from CT FOSTERS to help you every step of the way.
MYTH: People who work full time cannot be foster parents.
FACT: Many licensed foster parents work full time. Adults who work full time outside of the home can still be foster parents. A preschooler would need to be enrolled in a full-time licensed daycare facility. CT FOSTERS helps with daycare costs.
MYTH: Only younger adults can be foster parents.
FACT: On the contrary – adults of all ages have a wealth of experience to share! CT FOSTERS does not discriminate on the basis of age. Anyone 21 years or older may apply to become a foster parent.
MYTH: I can’t have the neighborhood teenager babysit for my foster child when I go out socially.
FACT: Foster parenting and a social life are not mutually exclusive. If you know a local teen who you feel is appropriately trained to supervise children, he or she will be allowed to babysit a foster child in your home.
MYTH: Biological parents are “bad” people who should never get their kids back.
FACT: That’s rarely true. Biological parents love their children but are having difficulties maintaining their safety and well-being. CT FOSTERS ensures the safety of children, while helping parents access the resources and services they need to help overcome their current circumstances. We work with biological parents, caregivers and community providers to assist with reunification when appropriate. However, when reunification is not possible, the department looks to place a child into an adoptive home.
MYTH: A foster child must have his or her own bedroom.
FACT: Sharing a bedroom is permitted. CT FOSTERS will assist foster parents in determining bedroom arrangements during the home visits.
MYTH: Foster kids can’t go on family vacations with their caregivers.
FACT: That’s rarely true. Biological parents love their children but are having difficulties maintaining their safety and well-being. CT FOSTERS ensures the safety of children, while helping parents access the resources and services they need to help overcome their current circumstances. We work with biological parents, caregivers and community providers to assist with reunification when appropriate. However, when reunification is not possible, the department looks to place a child into an adoptive home.
MYTH: Foster children can’t participate in play dates or sleepovers at a
friend’s home.
FACT: Actually, both are permitted. CT FOSTERS believes foster children should have a normal social life. Of course, as with all parenting decisions, we ask that foster parents use good judgment when making these decisions.
MYTH: Biological parents will come to a foster home to visit their child.
FACT: That’s rarely true. Biological parents love their children but are having difficulties maintaining their safety and well-being. CT FOSTERS ensures the safety of children, while helping parents access the resources and services they need to help overcome their current circumstances. We work with biological parents, caregivers and community providers to assist with reunification when appropriate. However, when reunification is not possible, the department looks to place a child into an adoptive home.
MYTH: You need to have medical and dental insurance in order to care for a foster child.
FACT: DCF assumes all medical and dental insurance expenses for foster children. In most cases, the foster families can choose their medical and dental providers, as long as these providers accept the insurance coverage offered by CT FOSTERS.
