One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask is, “Can I choose the age of the child I foster?” The answer is yes! Foster parents can express their preferences about the ages and needs of the children they feel best equipped to care for.
Many prospective foster parents are eager to welcome babies and young children into their homes. While families interested in fostering infants are certainly needed, one of our greatest challenges is finding loving homes for older children and teenagers. These young people need the same stability, encouragement, and sense of belonging as younger children, yet they often wait longer for a family willing to welcome them.
How Does Foster Placement Work?
Before welcoming a child into their home, prospective foster parents complete training, background checks, a home study, and the necessary approval process. During this time, Bloom works closely with families to understand their household dynamics, parenting experience, and comfort level with different ages and needs. When a child needs a foster home, the placement team considers several factors, including the child’s age, emotional and developmental needs, sibling relationships, and the family’s approved preferences and capacity. Foster parents have the opportunity to learn about a potential placement, ask questions, and determine whether they can meet that child’s needs.
Why Consider Fostering a Teenager?
Teenagers in foster care are often overlooked, but they have so much to offer. They need caring adults who will cheer them on at school events, help them navigate important milestones, celebrate their accomplishments, and provide guidance as they prepare for adulthood. For a teenager who has experienced instability, having someone who consistently shows up can be life-changing.
“You don’t have to be a perfect parent to make a difference in a teenager’s life. Sometimes, simply being the person who shows up, listens, and believes in them can change everything,” said Senior Vice President of Foster Care & Prevention Services Pamella Talley.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family
At Bloom, we understand that every family has different strengths, circumstances, and comfort levels. Our goal is to thoughtfully match children with foster families based on what we believe will be the best fit for both the child and the family. We take the time to get to know our foster parents, understand their preferences, and consider the unique needs of each child. While we can’t guarantee a particular age or placement, we work closely with families to help create the best possible environment for everyone involved.
If you’ve only considered fostering a baby or young child, we encourage you to keep an open mind. You might be surprised by the meaningful relationships and rewarding experiences that come with fostering an older child or teenager. Every child deserves a safe place to land, no matter their age.
Ready to learn more? Contact Bloom’s Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Cheryl McCloud at cmccloud@bloomfosters.org or 770-460-6652 ext. 132.
