Breaking Through the 5 Most Common Hesitations
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster parent, you’re not alone—and neither are your doubts. Many caring, capable people feel called to foster but hesitate because of concerns about time, finances, qualifications, or fear of getting too attached.
At Restore Therapeutic Foster Care, we hear these concerns all the time—and we want you to know: Most barriers to fostering can be overcome with the right support.
Here are five of the most common barriers prospective foster parents face—and how to move forward with confidence.
1. “I don’t think I’m qualified.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. You don’t need to be married, own a home, or have parenting experience to foster. In Virginia, you need to be:
21 or older
Able to pass background checks
Have a stable living environment (renting or owning)
Willing to complete training and a home study
At Restore TFC, we walk with you every step of the licensing process—providing the training, tools, and encouragement you need to succeed.
2. “What if I get too attached?”
This is a real and valid concern. Fostering involves deep emotional investment—and that’s not a weakness, it’s a gift. Children in foster care need adults who are willing to love them through a hard season, even if it’s temporary.
At Restore, we offer support groups, coaching, and a team approach so you’re never navigating the emotional parts alone. We also prepare you for reunification and transitions in a way that honors the connection you’ve built.
3. “I’m not sure I have the time.”
Foster parenting does take time and commitment—but you’re not doing it alone. Our agency provides:
Help with school enrollment and appointments
24/7 support
Respite care connections
Coaching to help manage routines and expectations
We work with you to find placements that match your availability and lifestyle, whether you're a full-time worker, stay-at-home parent, or empty nester.
4. “I can’t afford to foster.”
Foster parents in Virginia receive a monthly stipend to help cover the costs of caring for a child—this includes food, clothing, school supplies, and more. At Restore, we also cover:
Background checks
CPR/First Aid training
Pre-service training
Many startup costs
We don’t want finances to be a reason you say “no.” We’re committed to helping foster parents say “yes” without worrying about how to make it work.
5. “I’m scared of the unknown.”
Fostering is a leap of faith—and it’s normal to feel nervous. That’s why we take a team-based, trauma-informed approach to every placement. From your first call to your first day with a child in your home (and beyond), you’re surrounded by people who have been there and will guide you every step.
You’ll never be asked to take a placement without your input, and we’ll prepare you thoroughly before a child enters your home.
You’re More Ready Than You Think
Foster care isn’t easy—but it is deeply needed and incredibly rewarding. The truth is, the very things you think disqualify you—your compassion, your questions, your fears—are often the signs that you care enough to do this well.
With the right agency beside you, you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to show up, learn, and love a child through their healing.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Let’s talk—no pressure, just answers.