Teen Parent in Foster Care
Who is in charge of my child if we are together in foster care?
If you have custody of your child, you decide how to care for him or her—for example, how to feed and dress the baby, what to do when the baby cries, etc.
But if your child is also a foster child, a foster parent or caseworker will make decisions about the child’s day-to-day care.
A third option is called a Whole Family Foster Home (WFFH). That is when you have custody, but you and your foster parents together plan your child’s day-to-day care.
What is a Whole Family Foster Home (WFFH)?
WFFHs are homes especially for foster children with children of their own.
Is a Whole Family Foster Home right for me?
A Whole Family Foster Home can be a good experience.
If my child is not with me in foster care, can we visit?
Yes.
You have a right to visit and be in contact and maintain relationships with your immediate family. This includes your child, unless a court has ended your parental rights.
Does my foster parent get money for my child?
Yes.
The state will increase the amount of money your foster parent or group home receives if your child stays there with you. The amount depends on whether you have custody of your child and the kind of foster home you are in.
What if I am not a good parent?
If you are not a good parent, Child Protective Services (CPS) may take the child from you.
Will I be treated differently in foster care if I have a child?
Maybe.
It depends on your foster-care situation. For example, your foster parents may not want or be able to care for a child. Your group home may not be able to care for babies safely.
As a foster child with custody, do I have the right to stay together with my child?
You and your child have the right to stay together if CPS can find a placement for the two of you. CPS must try to do this.
Would CPS ask me to give up custody of my child?
CPS may ask you to give up custody if
- it makes it easier for them to find a foster home for your child (even if you stay together), or
- your social worker thinks you are not caring for your child well enough, but does not want to go to court to have the child taken from you.
Can I take my child with me when I leave foster care?
That depends.
What if CPS asks me to give up custody just for a short time?
If your social worker thinks you are not caring for your child well enough, s/he may ask you to sign a parenting agreement. It may be a Voluntary Family Reunification (VFR) agreement, or a Voluntary Family Maintenance (VFM) agreement.
If I sign a VFR agreement, when can my child return to me?
Most VFRs last about six months. If you follow the agreement, you will most likely get your child back.