Writing Profile on Foster Parent - Essay Example

The man could be seen glancing at his signature wrist watch more regularly to project a very exciting stance. Both stood up immediately as they heard the door slowly open; a door that would change their lives completely. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick and Susan Rodgers are among tens of thousands of would-be foster and adoptive parents needed in this country. “More than 463,000 children live in foster care. In California, which has the largest foster care population than any other state, the number of foster youth has tripled in the last 20 years,” as revealed from the statistics provided by the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System.

Locating competent and highly qualified foster parents who could genuinely meet and support the varied needs of children in need is therefore challenging as disclosed by various foster homes and adoption centers. The spouses Rodgers have revealed that they were lucky to have found the Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency (SCFFAA) which has been serving the needs of homeless children since 1994. It was deemed by the local community members to be committed to finding appropriate homes for abused and abandoned children.

The Director of Adoption, Robbyn Harrod outlined the requirements for those interested to apply as foster parents: “There are requirements in terms of age, at least 25 years old; income which is commensurate to support the needs of an additional child, over and above the regular living expenses of the family; and all the members must be supportive of the plan to adopt or care for a foster child,” said Harrod who has been a social worker for 12 years. “This means that the parents and other members of the family should be of good moral character.” .In addition, Harrod said that there are different phases within the application process that must be observed and complied with.

Harrod added that potential applicants as foster parents must comply with a three-hour orientation seminar, 24-hour training sessions, completion of an application packet, and medical examinations to be conducted to all members of the potential foster home.