{31 Days} Money Myths

Myth: I could never be a foster parent because I'm not married and don't make a lot of money. I don't even own my own house.

Truth: There are no such requirements. You can be married or single, a homeowner or a renter, live in a house or an apartment. The only financial requirement is that you are able to support yourself and your family aside from the money you are provided for the foster children. The reimbursement is to help with all the extras with having another kiddo under your roof. Think food, clothes, utilities, vehicle expenses & gas, etc.

Myth: I can’t do foster care because I work full time, I wouldn't be able to stay at home with the kids.

Truth: People work full-time when they have biological children, and it’s no different with foster children. Your licensing agency can advise you on childcare options. Some states and agencies even cover the cost of child care for your foster children.

Myth: I can’t afford to provide medical insurance for another child.

Truth: Medical care is completely covered, the only thing you would need to provide is over the counter medicines when necessary. 

All foster children (under title IV-E of the Social Security Act) are categorically eligible for Medicaid. States have the option to extend Medicaid benefits to non-IV-E eligible foster children, and all states do. In addition, children receiving federally reimbursed adoption subsidies are categorically eligible for Medicaid. All states but one have also chosen to cover adopted children supported by state-funded subsidies in their Medicaid programs. Thus, virtually all children in foster care and in adoptive placements are eligible for Medicaid! (Urban Institute)

Myth: I don't want to be part of that crowd, most Foster Parents are just in it for the money.

Truth: Being a foster parent is no easy job and I can guarantee that “most” are NOT in it for the money! The reimbursement is just enough to cover the needs of the child. We feed, clothe, house, and take these children to their various appointments, which, honestly are often much more than the average child. Still, this a necessary job, these children need loving adults to step up and change the face of the foster care system, mending one heart at a time.