Many more have to be turned away. The children, typically ranging in age from six to 18, need temporary, or possibly permanent, safe, nurturing and stimulating homes where they can try and make sense out of what is happening to them. Many face severe emotional and behavioral challenges. Many of the children have learning disabilities from a variety of causes. So the challenges of foster parenting can be formidable.
Applicants sometimes have a long-term adoption goal in mind.
Still others provide foster parents weekend respite. State-licensed foster parents receive 30 hours of training each year. Meanwhile, Foster Care Resources provides continuous support. Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day. Children receive psychiatric and physical evaluations.