What is foster care like?

The experiences in foster care are as different as the people involved. For the child, it can be full of questions and uncertainty- “when am I going to see my parents again?” “Where am I going to be staying tonight?” “What did I do wrong to be taken from my parents?” Some kids are relieved to be out of an abusive situation, but the vast majority have very mixed feelings. Imagine being taken from the only home you know, often with little or none of your belongings and taken to live with complete strangers and expected to adjust to new people, new smells, new foods, new rules, all while wondering if you will ever get to go home. It is often confusing and stressful for the child in care. Foster parents also often have questions and uncertainty. “Is this child going to be able to go home?” “If this child goes home, will they be safe?” Foster care can also be a safe haven for children while their parents work on resolving whatever issues caused the child to be removed in the first place.