Welcome to Foster Parenting 101! In this series, we answer your biggest questions around foster parenting. Have a question you want us to answer? Submit it here or email emmy@justasspecial.com.

So, you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent? Excellent! This is an exciting time for you and those who support you. It can be overwhelming too, but don’t worry - there are lots of resources to support you, including this blog.

Becoming a foster parent involves a lot of preparation - both within our homes and within ourselves. In this article, we focus on exploring exactly that. How can I become a foster parent? What should I do first?

Our expertise is on the foster care system in the state of Colorado, so keep in mind that what is required to be a foster parent might differ depending on the state where you live. That being said, we hope that the advice we share here will be of use to you regardless of where you’re at in your foster care journey.

Do this first - Research

Becoming a foster parent is a big life decision. Like with all big life decisions, it’s best to do some research before jumping into things. Luckily, there are many resources available that explain what’s required of a foster parent - as well as stories about things that went well and things that were more challenging during this journey.

If you haven’t already, we recommend you have a listen to our podcast. Stories, perhaps more than anything else, are what connect us. Being a foster parent is a personal journey and the stories you listen to may or may not resonate with you. That being said, hearing others’ experiences can help give you context on what’s required to be a foster parent - especially emotional diplomacy, self-knowledge, and compassion.

Follow Just As Special on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about foster care.

A big thanks to @westbigdatahub for profiling Just As Special’s resource database and podcast in this impactful article.

🌟“We are hoping that our resource database model could expand nationally, to all states, allowing the foster care c

🐴 One of our all time favorite podcast interviews is with Dave and Lottie, both longtime trauma therapists who now offer a very creative foster/adoptive parent training workshop at @groundworkranch (link in bio to hear “What horses teach us&rd

Former pro basketball player @nickfrombradshouse became a child welfare revolutionary when he opened up a non-traditional group home for boys aged 10-15 years old with his wife.

Unlike other residential care facilities, @brads__house never utilizes

“I know it's going to be rocky in the beginning, but that stability is really what a foster child needs.

Because coming from a place where it's nothing but chaos, we have learned to thrive in chaos and it's not a healthy place to thrive in.

Do this second - Ask questions

Questions are great! They’re a great way to learn about a new topic. So ask questions…

… to yourself:

Am I in the right place physically, emotionally, and financially to welcome a child into my home?
Am I comfortable with undertaking the learning process needed to become a foster parent? Sometimes learning new things and new definitions can be tough. Am I ready for that?
Am I becoming a foster parent to help kids or to try to heal a void in my own life? It is unhealthy to use foster parenting as a way to build your own family or to fill the void of having your own biological child.

… to your family / those you live with:

Are we ready to welcome a child into our home? What are your feelings on this potential life transition?
Are we emotionally ready to undertake this journey together?
Do we have the emotional capacity to take on additional stress?
Do we have the time to accommodate weekly and monthly appointments?

… to your community:

Can I count on you to be part of my support network if I become a foster parent?
If yes, thank you for letting me know! What level of support are we both comfortable with at this stage, knowing that this may change if a kid in care enters my home?
If not, thank you for letting me know! What gives you pause?

Only you (and those around you) know the answers to these questions. And there are no wrong answers! Getting comfortable with the difficult process of asking tough questions of yourself and of others is a skill that will serve you well if you decide to become a foster parent.

Do this third - Sign up for an info session

In Colorado, info sessions are provided by both counties and agencies. These sessions are a time for you to ask questions and to get to know the system a bit better. Attending an info session doesn’t commit you in any way, so it’s a great way to learn more. Becoming a foster parent is also a process that can take time - up to a year - so attending an info session early on in your journey will help explain how to become a foster parent in more detail, as well as connect you to others who are beginning to undergo this journey too.

Need help finding an info session in your area? Check out this resource map from Just As Special. Know of an info session or agency that we haven’t listed? Let us know!

What happens now?

Starting to think about how to become a foster parent can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone! Helpful resources are available, such as our foster care resource database for the state of Colorado that was created in partnership with Cobbled Streets.

These resources address the challenges and triumphs foster families face every day while honoring diversity. Know a resource that should be included? Let us know!

Want to help out but becoming a foster parent isn’t the right decision for you right now? Consider donating or becoming a virtual volunteer with Just As Special! We’re always looking for aid from people who want to help support kids in care and foster families.