It is a very noble decision to foster parent.  That statement just does not do justice to the self-sacrificing act of foster parenting.  For a person to open up their home and heart to a child in need is one of the greatest displays of human kindness there is. Although someone may have the heart and the desire, a person who is thinking about entering into a foster parenting situation should ponder the choice long and hard before they make any decision.  This decision affects an entire family not just the one making the decision. 

A person seeking to foster parent should spend some time with all the considerations before taking in a foster child.  One such consideration is time.  Some of these children have lived particularly horrific lives.  They have witnessed things that no child should ever have to see.  A foster parent must be understanding of that fact and realize that these children will exhibit behaviors that require constant supervision.  Further they might require counseling and therapy to help them work through their issues.  This will mean that the foster parent will bring them to therapy, spend time with the child and just be there whenever the child needs them.

A foster parent very rarely receives the respect that they deserve.  This lack of respect comes especially from the child.  Many adults may have let this child down which will make it extremely difficult to trust again.  It will take time to break through the walls that a foster child has built up around their heart.  Some people unfairly tend to see foster parents as people interested in the miniscule money that is given for foster parenting.  While it may seem ridiculous to think foster parenting is done for the money, many people believe that to be true. 

Of course, one should consider the emotional investment in foster parenting.  If a person opens their home and heart to a child it is perfectly natural for them to become attached.  When a child enters into a foster parenting situation it is unknown how long they will stay with any given family.  There have been countless news stories of foster families ripped apart when the state decides to move the child or return them to their natural family.  A foster parent must be prepared for this eventuality. 

With all these considerations many honorable and caring folks make the decision to foster parent.  It is fortunate for the children that need someone to care for them during a time when no one is able.  Make this decision carefully; it is of no help for these kids if the decision is made in haste and for the wrong reasons.