We're willing to bet you've heard some common assumptions, myths, or stereotypes about foster care. But you certainly aren't alone!

You may be shocked at what foster care is really like compared to the picture painted by TV shows and movies.

Let us take you through 11 surprising facts, and myths busted so you can get the real scoop. We promise this will be an insightful read!

Child, adoption and together with mom for hug, support or love in backyard, garden or family home of girl in foster care. Interracial, mother and daughter bonding in embrace or sitting outdoor.

Myth #1: Kids always end up in foster care because of severe abuse or neglect

  • Reality: Most kids in foster care are removed because of parental drug use or inability to cope
  • Less than 30% of removals are due to physical abuse
  • Neglect—when basic physical/emotional needs aren't met—is the #1 reason
  • For example, lack of supervision because of addiction is classified as neglect

Myth #2: Foster life is far worse than life at home for most kids

  • Reality: For many foster youth, it provides relief from chaos, violence, hunger, etc.
  • A study found that over 80% of foster youth felt safe and well cared for in placement
  • But the transition can still be very traumatic

Myth #3: Foster kids are always eager for a new home

  • Reality: Foster youth often desperately miss their biological parents and siblings
  • Moving can be devastating, even if their home is unsafe
  • Important for foster/adopt families to acknowledge these mixed emotions
  • Reunification with birth families is pursued about 50% of the time when it is safe

Myth #4: Biological parents don't care about regaining custody

  • Reality: Over 50% of foster youth return to their families
  • Biological parents often DO work to meet case requirements in hopes of reunifying
  • For parents struggling with addiction, getting sober alone can take years
  • But when reunification fails (or is unwise), parents often still play a role

Myth #5: Foster parents make tons of $$ caring for kids

  • Reality: The average monthly reimbursement is less than $500 per child
  • Fewer than 1/3 of foster families adopt kids placed with them
  • The biggest motivation for most foster parents is wanting to make a difference
  • Financial assistance is meant to help cover part of expenses

Myth #6: Relatives can't become foster parents

  • Reality: Over 125,000 kids live with relatives in "kinship care" foster homes!
  • Keeping kids with family is preferred when safe
  • Licensing requirements can often be adjusted for kin
  • This maintains family bonds and cultural identity

Myth #7: Teens age out of foster care, and that's the end

  • Reality: Signed into law in 2008, kids can opt to stay until age 21
  • Less than 10% return to foster care after leaving initially
  • But services helping them transition to independent living are still lacking
  • Housing support, medical coverage, and mentorship programs are needed

Myth #8: No one wants to adopt or even foster teens

  • Reality: Nearly half of foster youth adopted in 2018 were between ages 13-18!
  • Yes, even teens finally get adopted and find "forever families"
  • But more committed people willing to foster teens are still needed
  • Teens want what we all do: love, stability, and mentors

Myth #9: Foster agencies don't share enough about kids' histories

  • Reality: Foster/adoptive parents get full disclosure about each child's case history
  • That includes medical and mental health, family background, major events, etc.
  • But some nuances only emerge over time—teams work closely together
  • Ongoing collaboration is key for addressing new behaviors as they arise

Myth #10: Foster kids can't function once they leave the system

  • Reality: Over half have paying jobs within a few years of leaving care
  • 77% will earn a high school diploma or GED
  • But support securing housing/healthcare would help them thrive
  • Many thrive with help transitioning to independence

Myth #11: Babies are the most adoptable from foster care

  • Reality: Infants comprise less than 5% of all children adopted from care annually
  • The average age of people waiting for child adoption is actually 8 years old
  • School-aged children 6-12 represent the bulk of adoptions
  • Teens 13-18 still get adopted almost 50% of the time, too!

Wrap-up

We hope you now have a clearer picture of what foster care truly involves. While the system has flaws, progress is happening. And with more community support, vulnerable youth will thrive.

You can get involved right in your own neighborhood. Little acts of kindness make a big difference, from mentoring teens aging out of the system to providing respite nights for a foster family.

If you feel called to open your home, connect with your local foster care agency to learn all the details on how you can become a foster or adoptive parent.

The process often moves faster than people expect, especially for school-aged children.

By transforming common misperceptions into compassionate action, together we can offer these young people the opportunities they deserve. It starts with an open heart and an open home.