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When you decide to become a foster parent, your foster agency will encourage you to pick an age that you are comfortable with. Some people are willing to take a broad range of children while others are age specific
Deciding on the age of a foster child should be a family decision because everyone in the house will be affected. If you have little kids of your own, you might want to take a child around the same age so they can play together. If you have older children in your home, ask them what age child they would prefer to take. Older children might prefer to have someone that is younger than them to avoid conflict, particularly if they are sharing their room.
If you have not ever been a parent and are not used to dealing with normal teenage or preteen behavior, you probably will want to take a younger child. An older child in the foster care system will have more life experience behind them. You are going to want to be able to deal with them appropriately. On the other hand, if you have already raised several children and are used to the behavior of older children, a teenage foster child might be perfect for you because you will have the ability to recognize behavior that needs special attention.
Most of the children who come into the foster care system are older children. Foster care agencies generally get just a few infants each year. Many people who become foster parents want a child under the age of two. If you decide you will only take and infant, you will wait a long time for a placement. Eventually you will get a call for an infant, so do not get discouraged. Also, do not rule out taking an older child. Older children are more independent and more vocal. They can communicate their needs easier than an infant, which makes life easier for all involved parties. As a foster parent, you have to commit to a child that you are comfortable with.
Even though all children in foster care are in need of a home, take the time to figure out what age foster child will be a good match for your family. This will help the child and your family have a more pleasant placement.
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