In our work with prospective foster parents, we often find they have misconceptions about children in the foster care system. At JBRI Foster Care Services, we help prospective foster parents understand the most common reasons children come into foster care. “Children come into foster care for a variety of reasons, many of which are related to abuse, neglect, or other forms of maltreatment,” said Ashley Jackson, program director. “No matter why a child needs foster care, our JBRI Foster Care Services team members help support our foster parents so they can provide a safe and stable home environment for children in need.”

Struggling Parents Can Lead to Children Entering Foster Care

One of the most common reasons children need foster care is because their parents may struggle with addiction or mental health issues that make it difficult for them to properly care for their children. When parents struggle with addiction, they may be unable to provide an appropriate home environment. In some cases, children may be exposed to dangerous or illegal substances or may be neglected due to their parent's addiction. Another reason children enter the foster care system may be abuse by their parents or caregivers. This can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. When abuse or neglect is suspected or reported, child protective services may investigate and, if necessary, remove the child from the home and place them in foster care. Some children come into foster care because of parental incarceration. When a parent is sent to prison, their children may be left without a caregiver or may be placed with a family member who is unable or unwilling to care for them. In these cases, foster care can provide a safe and stable home environment for the child until their parent is released from prison or a more permanent arrangement can be made. At times, children may enter foster care because of other family issues, such as domestic violence or divorce. When parents cannot care for their children due to family conflict or other issues, child protective services may step in and place the child in foster care. In many cases, placement into foster care is meant to be temporary until a parent’s situation stabilizes, or a relative or adoptive family agrees to raise the child.

Quality Foster Care Can Help Children

Regardless of why children enter foster care, it is important for them to be placed in a home environment where they can receive the care and support they need to thrive. Foster care can provide this environment by placing children with trained and experienced foster parents who are committed to providing a loving and supportive home for the child. At JBRI Foster Care Services, our foster parents receive training and support to help them meet the unique needs of the children in their care. We work closely with our parents and with child welfare professionals to ensure each child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs are being met. Foster care can also help children to maintain connections with their biological families, when appropriate. Foster parents may work with biological parents to facilitate visits or other forms of contact, and they may also help children to maintain connections with siblings or other family members. This can be especially important for children who may eventually be reunited with their biological families, as it can help to ease the transition back to their family home. By placing children with trained and experienced foster parents, foster care can help to ensure that children are receiving the best possible care and support during what can be a difficult time in their lives. Learn more about how JBRI Foster Care Services supports our foster parents