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There are different ways to do foster care and then there is the decision as to whether or not to adopt a foster child. Some people go into foster care in the hopes of adopting one (or more) of their foster children. Other people do strictly foster care, and others like me, only take in children that they intend to adopt. None of these methods are wrong, just different.
Let’s explore the difference between foster care, treatment foster care, and adoption. They are similar, but each one has its distinct differences.
Foster care
• Children of any age may be placed with you.
• Disabilities of child will vary greatly.
• Monthly stipend based on the needs of the child. This is negotiable if the needs of the child change.
• Placement is meant to be temporary.
• Placement is court ordered.
• Monthly visit from social worker.
Treatment foster care
• Children of any age may be placed with you.
• Disabilities of child will vary, although generally children with higher needs are placed into treatment foster care.
• Visits with birth family (or adoptive family) likely.
• Monthly stipend based on the needs of the child. This is negotiable if the needs of the child change. Monthly payments are generally higher than “regular” foster care because child’s needs are generally higher.
• Placement can be temporary or until the age of eighteen, depending on the child’s needs.
• Placement is court ordered. Placement can be because of the child’s issues or the parents’ issues.
• Weekly visit from social worker.
Adoption
• Child of any age may be placed with you, but it is based on the criteria you have indicated in your home study.
• Disabilities can vary based on the criteria you have indicated in your home study.
• Visits with birth family unlikely.
• Monthly stipend based on the needs of the child. This is negotiable prior to the finalization of the adoption. In some cases the stipend can be changed after the adoption is finalized, but it is much more difficult.
• Placement can be changed, but adoption is meant to be permanent. A change in placement is easier before finalization than afterward. It is recommended that you do not finalize an adoption if you are uncertain as to whether or not this is the best thing for your family or the child.
• Adoption must be approved by the court and the social worker in charge of the child’s case.
• Monthly visits from social worker up until the time of finalization.
You can see that there are major differences in each of these types of placement, and there are pros and cons to each one. It is up to you to decide which one is best for you and your family.
