How To Tell If You Are Ready For Fostering In Singapore

Taking care of a child is not easy. Some kids are not lucky enough to have parents incapable of taking care of them, ending up in foster care. But fortunately, some people are considering assuming the parental role for them through fostering in Singapore.

Foster parents take the guardianship role for foster children, becoming a part of the family for a period of time. But how will you know that you are ready for fostering in Singapore? You should keep an eye on these signs:

1. YOU UNDERSTAND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FOSTER PARENT

Even though you are only a proxy parent to the child temporarily, becoming a foster parent still has tons of responsibilities.

Firstly, a foster parent has to speak with different people monthly. Even before they become a foster parent, they have to undergo background checks and home studies to determine they are capable of looking after the child.

Once they have the child in their care, foster parents may expect people from family service centres in Singapore, such as counsellors and case workers, to check on you and the child’s situation monthly.

Secondly, being a foster parent is not the same as adopting a child. Foster parents are only temporary homes and guardians to kids, so they must be ready to say goodbye when the time comes.

2. YOUR FAMILY SUPPORTS YOUR DECISION

If you are planning to foster a child, make sure that your spouse and children are in the plan as well and understand your decisions.

Although being unmarried and having no child makes fostering less of an ache, the people surrounding you, such as friends, siblings, and colleagues, may still disprove your decision. At the end of the day, the ball is still in your hands. Just remember the reasons why you decided to foster and stick with it. Counsellors from family services in Singapore will always have your support, too.

3. YOU ARE READY FOR THE ADJUSTMENT SETBACKS

Setbacks are bound to happen when fostering. For example, some foster children struggle to adjust to their new homes. They may feel unhappy in your care and show unpleasant behaviours.

Foster parents must not take these things personally. They should have a lot of patience. Communicating with your child is a vital part of building a relationship. Playing with your foster child can also help them adjust and be comfortable around you. You can also get a laugh out of them when you play with them.

4. YOU CAN PROVIDE FOR THE CHILD

Although family services provide an allowance for the children, it is still ideal that foster parents can financially support the foster child. Does the child have a bedroom at home? Can you provide clothing, toys, and other essentials? Can you send them to student care services? Are you physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the child?

Evaluate your situation and ask yourself. Are you ready to look after another human being? Being a parent is not easy; this decision should be well thought out. Otherwise, you may not be able to give the best for the child.

Are you ready to become a foster parent? PPIS is one of the family service centres in Singapore that provide developmental programmes for women and their families. Visit PPIS today.