Becoming a foster parent is a big decision and by no means easy, but it's an extremely rewarding and life-changing experience for both you and the child you are opening your home to. However, before you decide to become a foster parent, it's important to understand the different types of foster parenting and which one might be the best fit for you and your family.

When we talk about foster parenting, we are talking about individuals or couples with a genuine interest in providing a safe and loving home for a period of time for children who have been removed from their own families due to neglect or other circumstances. 

In the United States, there are over 400,000 children and youth in the foster care system. Between 2017 and 2021, an average of 241,208 children and youth entered foster care. Many of the kids are placed in group homes or other communal living arrangements because there are not enough foster families. That situation left over 113,000 children waiting to be placed in foster care in 2021.

The reality is that more foster homes are needed, particularly in Tennessee. By understanding the different types of foster parenting and the unique needs of each child, you can create a welcoming environment that helps your foster child succeed and make an informed decision.

Read on to learn how you can create a welcoming environment for your foster children to succeed. We will dive into the various types of foster parenting, including long- and short-term foster care, traditional care, kinship care, respite foster care, and what foster care entails in Tennessee.

Traditional Foster Care

In general, this is the most common type of foster care. It’s a system that places the children in the homes of families who provide temporary care until the children can be reunited with their biological families or permanently placed through adoption.

The foster families are carefully screened, trained, and licensed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children.

Despite its challenges, traditional foster care remains an essential element of the child welfare system, as it provides a loving and caring home for children who have been removed from their families due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment.

These are some main characteristics to consider:

• Foster families receive financial reimbursement and support services from social service agencies to cover the costs of caring for the children.
• The children in the foster care system range from newborns to teenagers and may have behavioral, emotional, or medical needs. 
• Foster parents are responsible for providing food, shelter, clothing, and transportation, as well as emotional support and guidance.
• The children often stay with one family for varying periods of time, from a few days to several months, and sometimes several years. 
• The ultimate goal is to return the children to their biological families or to find them a permanent home through adoption.

Long-Term Foster Care

Some children may not be able to return to their birth family for a long period of time, or in other cases, they don’t return at all. In these situations, the foster parents should think about providing support and care on a long-term basis.

Here are some key points to consider if you opt for long-term foster care:

• Foster families will provide care and support to a child or adolescent until they reach adulthood without taking full legal responsibility for them.
• Placement stability and a sense of belonging are important for the child.
• The role of a long-term caregiver is to support the child's relationship with their birth family if it is safe and beneficial for the child.
• As a foster parent, you will be responsible for meeting the child's educational, medical, and social needs as long as they are with you.
• You should communicate openly and honestly with the child about their situation and work to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Foster parents should seek support and resources from the foster care agency or other organizations to ensure they have the necessary tools and knowledge to provide quality care for the child.

Short-Term Foster Care

Short-term foster care acts as a crucial bridge for children receiving long-term placement. This type of foster care usually involves the need to settle the child in a safe environment immediately due to unforeseen circumstances.

Foster parents who choose to offer short-term care to children provide a period of support and stability to children who urgently need it. This type of fostering offers fewer risks of disruption than long-term foster care but still requires a willingness to quickly adapt to change and provide immediate support and acceptance. Short-term foster care prepares foster parents for the unique challenges and rewards of long-term foster care or adoption. 

Here are some key points to know beforehand:

• Foster families may need to adapt to change and provide immediate support and acceptance.
• The foster parent plays a critical role in ensuring children can continue attending school and other daily activities.
• Caregivers provide a safe and supportive environment for the child.

Kinship Foster Care

Kinship care involves taking care of a child who is a relative or family friend when the child's parents are unable to provide adequate care due to illness, addiction, or incarceration, among other situations.

This type of foster care is often preferred because it allows the child to stay within their family and community networks while receiving the support and care they need. There are some findings that support efforts to maximize the placement of children with available and willing relatives. Studies have shown that children who are placed in kinship care have better outcomes and fewer behavioral problems compared to children in traditional foster care.

Here are some key points:

• Caregivers often face unique challenges such as financial strain, difficulty navigating the child welfare system, and a lack of support services. 
• Foster parents may experience burnout, stress, and worsening physical and mental health due to the lack of support.
• Foster families may need to seek financial assistance, access to counseling services, respite care, and legal assistance.

Respite Foster Care

Respite foster care is a valuable resource for both full-time foster parents and children in the foster system. This type of foster care is often provided for children or adolescents who require special attention for medical, emotional, or behavioral needs.

Similar to short-term foster care, respite care could also be ideal for those considering learning more about providing foster care without immediately committing to a long-term placement.

 Here are some key points to consider:

• Foster parents may have more time to recharge and take breaks, which can help prevent burnout and provide a better overall experience for the child.
• Respite foster care is a part-time commitment, with respite caregivers taking in children when they are available to do so.
• Foster caregivers work in partnership with the agency or full-time foster family to ensure consistency and continuity of care for the child.
• Many respite foster care providers are experienced foster parents who can offer additional support and guidance to new or less experienced foster families.
• It is also helpful for children in foster care, who benefit from exposure to a variety of caregivers and environments that can meet their diverse needs and interests.

Foster Care in Tennessee

In Tennessee, foster care is crucial for children who cannot reside with their biological family. The state has a shortage of foster homes, with over 9,000 children requiring care in 2023. According to the Department of Children's Services' latest report, only 914 new foster homes were approved in 2021, falling short of the statewide goal of 1,192. This decrease was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and potential foster parents being hesitant about the fostering process.

While the government becomes responsible for them as "wards of the state," foster parents are essential in providing the necessary support and care. 

Here are some key points to consider about foster care in Tennessee:

• Foster parents are required to complete extensive training and undergo a rigorous screening process before being approved to foster a child.
• Foster parents receive financial assistance from the state to cover the associated care costs—i.e., food, clothing, and other expenses.
• Foster parents in Tennessee also have access to support services, including counseling, support groups, and respite care, to ensure that they have the resources they need to care for the children in their homes.
• In some cases, foster care may lead to adoption, with the foster family providing a permanent home for the child.

Foster parents in Tennessee play a critical role in helping children who have experienced trauma or abuse heal and develop the skills they need to succeed in life. Whether it’s to reunite children with their families or find them a forever home, as a foster parent, you could transform a child's life.

Fostering is a learning curve that starts over with each child. If you are seeking assistance with navigating the foster care system in Tennessee, Camelot Care Centers provides stellar community-based family foster care services and family counseling. We have programs built to empower you, strengthen your relationships, and support you on your journey. Get in touch through our contact page today. We are able to serve our clients from 16 different locations around the state.