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Can I Work Full Time and Still Foster?

January 24, 2024

Summary

Becoming a parent always requires a bit of a lifestyle adjustment. Raising a child takes time, patience and sacrifice.

It’s no different when you become a foster parent. Just like your own children, children in the foster care system will have homework, doctor’s appointments, and a need to socialize and be active.

One of the biggest questions potential foster parents have is—Can I manage fostering and working full time? The simple answer is yes, it is possible for even single parents to work full time and foster a child, but there are definitely some things to keep in mind if this is something you are considering taking on.

Who Will Care For the Foster Child During The Day?

Children need some level of supervision at all times. Who will care for your child while you are at work is a big concern.

The Department of Child Safety (DCS) in Arizona will assist foster parents with finding and paying for childcare at a state-licensed facility when necessary. This may be because the foster parents are working during the day, or it may be because the children would benefit from some social interaction with other children.

Some families, especially those who work full-time, prefer to foster children who are school-aged so that the child will be in school for a majority of the day. You may need to make special arrangements for after-school care. Many schools offer extended care services or transportation to a program like the Boys & Girls Club which offers discounts for foster families.

Any family looking to hire a private nanny or babysitter would likely need to cover the cost themselves.

Is My Job Flexible Enough?

While it is definitely possible to foster and work full time, it’s always helpful if your job is supportive of your journey.

Bringing a child into your home takes some adjustment, especially in the beginning, and children in the foster care system are also required to attend several appointments during the first few weeks of living in your home.

It is important to be up front and honest with your employer and make sure that their PTO policy is flexible enough for you to take some time off as needed to care for the child.

Children may also be magnets for germs. If the child in your care gets sick, do you have a plan to care for them? Are you able to use your sick time to stay home with them or do you have a trusted family member or friend who can step in and assist?

Who Is My Support System?

If you are considering fostering while working full time it is very important to have a solid support system. Do you have friends who are willing to pick your child up from school in case of an emergency? Do you have family members willing to babysit so you can have some time off? Does your licensing agency seem knowledgeable about resources that might be able to help? Child Crisis Arizona offers several helpful connections to resources for foster parents in need.

Before you begin this journey, take stock of who is around you and willing to support you. Consider the help you might be comfortable asking for and prepare yourself to fill in any gaps.

Working full-time and raising a child is never easy but with the right support it is definitely possible. If you feel a calling to provide a safe, stable home for a child in need, don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back! Give Child Crisis Arizona a call at (602) 385-7526 and get started today!