Foster Care Myth: Do You Have to be Married to Become a Foster Parent?

We’re here to disprove another foster care myth! When people think of a traditional family, an image of a married couple with children comes to mind. Some people think that they have to fit into this mold in order to become foster parents because foster agencies want children to be raised in a “traditional” household. In reality, any type of household could provide a loving home for children in foster care.

Families come in all shapes and sizes: single-parent families, extended families, and blended families, just to name a few. Almost half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. This results in more blended families with step-parents who may have children of their own. Kids might have step-siblings and half-siblings rather than only biological or adopted siblings. They might also have multiple sets of grandparents and other family members to support them. These blended/extended families are becoming more common, and it’s clear that they’re just as capable of raising children as any family.

Single or divorced parents can also make excellent foster parents, especially with the support of family and friends. It takes a village to raise a child, and children in foster care are no exception! In most instances, a person’s marital status, age, income, or sexual orientation do not automatically disqualify them from being eligible to adopt, so don’t let any of these discourage you from welcoming a child into your family. Different states have different policies. What works for Omaha, NE, might be different in Las Vegas.

Any size family can foster a child, so the foster care myth that only married couples can become foster parents is BUSTED!

To learn how you can help out your local community and make an impact, visit https://www.togetherwerise.org/volunteer-opportunities/