Foster FAQS
What about medical insurance? Every child in the care of CPS receives some form of Medicaid (medical insurance) at no cost to foster parents. This covers all medical, dental, and vision costs, with approved providers. There are no co-pays, and almost all hospitals and emergency rooms accept Medicaid.
How will I let them go? Remember that these children have been placed in your home temporarily for protection, care and nurturing. While some children may become adoptable, family reunification is always the primary goal of the courts. It can be very painful to send a child into a situation you know little about, especially after they have been a part of your family for some time. You have seen this child through their darkest hours, and made a lasting impression on their lives. It is also not uncommon to breathe a sigh of relief when some children leave. It can be a bittersweet situation for any parent.
What will they call me? “Mom” “Miss” “Sir” “Hey You”. Depending on the age of the children, you should introduce yourself with what you want them to call you. Miss (first name) and Mr. (first name), are a common and respectful option. If you have children in the home calling you Mom and Dad, your foster children may quickly begin to call you this as well. This is not an issue, as long as you are always clear about who their biological parents are. Children may also begin to refer to their birthparents as “my old mom” or “my other dad”, and in these situations it is best to take a moment to clear things up.
Will I meet birthparents? In some cases you may see birthparents on a regular basis when dropping a child off for their court allowed parental visits. Some children do not have visits, and some parents cannot be visited (if incarcerated, for example). Meeting a child’s biological parents for the first time can be nerve racking. Stick to the basics. Greet them and introduce yourself as the child’s foster parent. If they have questions about the child, or the care you are giving them, answer any you feel comfortable with, or ask them to write them down, and you will send update through the caseworker.
