Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is not a lifetime commitment to a child. Rather, it is a commitment to be meaningful in a child’s lifetime. A foster parent opens their home to children whose family of origin is in crisis. This temporary placement typically lasts between 6 months to one year. In a foster / adopt program like Buckner’s, parents have three options. You may choose to only be licensed as a foster parent. This means you will only be certified to provide temporary care. Or, you may choose to become licensed as a foster / adopt parent. This option allows you to provide foster care with the possibility of adopting a foster child in your care, or you may choose to pursue adoption without ever providing foster care.
What if I get attached to the child?
Experienced foster parents see helping a child move on to the place they are meant to be as part of their ministry. This can be hard, but there is deep satisfaction in knowing they have been effective in making a difference in a child's life. As one family put it, "We know God has his hands on their lives. He brought them to us, we prayed for them and we know that God will not let our efforts be in vain."
Where do the children come from?
Most of the children we serve have been removed from their home by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services because of abuse or neglect by their parents or caregivers. We provide foster care for these children until their situations can be resolved by a permanency plan.
What happens when children leave foster care?
Children leave foster care for various reasons. Often, their biological family makes the necessary improvements to allow for reunification. This is always the first option pursued for a child. If reunification is not possible, a relative placement (or kinship care) is pursued. If this option is not possible and parental rights are terminated, the plan is for the child to remain in foster care until an adoptive home can be found.
Is it possible to adopt?
YES! Foster parents have many times adopted the children they have fostered in their home. We will train and license your home to foster or foster/adopt, and if there is the need and desire for permanency with your family, we can assist you in the adoption process.
How can I handle the emotional and/or behavioral issues these children have?
You will be trained, just like any other licensed professional. You will be a part of a treatment team that consists of child therapists, psychologists, and caseworkers. There is on-call help 24 hours a day. As well as, an assigned caseworker will provide in-home support on a regular basis.
Can I specify the kind of children I want?
Foster children are not assigned. We want to know your assessment of the types of children you feel you can best parent, so we can place children with you who will best fit your circumstances. Keep in mind the narrower your preference, the harder it will be to make a match.