</p><p>Many people want to help the youth in their community, but aren’t sure how to do so or where to start. If you have a safe and loving home, becoming a foster parent can be a fantastic way to help an abused, neglected or abandoned child in need – and maybe even save their life.
Benchmark Family Services works to find therapeutic foster homes for children in the Coastal Bend and across Texas. It also has locations in Georgia, Indiana and Kentucky. Its staff helps train and empower foster parents and provide ongoing support throughout the experience.
Fostering a child is a big commitment that should not be taken lightly, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. Anybody 21 years and older with a clean criminal background check, a stable income and a loving and safe home can become a foster parent with Benchmark Family Services.
Here are three types of people in particular who make great foster parents.
- People Who Stay Cool and Calm Under Pressure
It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed or nervous when a child is placed in your home, but people who can stay calm will thrive. Many foster children have suffered from abuse and neglect and require more intensive care and supervision. Benchmark Family Services provides training and support throughout the entire foster process, but it’s important for foster parents to keep calm and be patient.
- People Who Value Academics and Structure
These children need foster parents to help them achieve their goals, thrive in school and ultimately prepare to become successful, independent adults.
One 17-year-old who is currently up for adoption came to Benchmark with suicidal ideations and many behavioral problems. She requested to be transferred to a home in Corpus Christi due to her dream of attending Texas A&M and working simultaneously. A foster parent who has experience working with teenagers is about to take her in and help her work toward these academic and professional goals.
Another child, age 9, is thriving academically and socially thanks to the support and homework help from his foster parent. His behavioral problems are beginning to diminish and he’s flourishing.
- Anyone with Tons of Love to Give
To be a successful foster parent, you need room in your home, but most importantly, room in your heart. It’s a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling experience that allows you to use your time and resources to positively influence a child and guide them toward adulthood.
Benchmark currently has seven homes open in the Coastal Bend area and hopes to grow that number. They’re specifically looking for foster parents willing to care for teens and therapeutic children who have been severely abused and neglected who require an increased level of supervision.
Benchmark Family Services provides therapeutic foster care and quality out-of-home placements for youth in need by working with referring agencies to guarantee the support, treatment and care they deserve. For more information, call (361) 444-4977 or visit BenchmarkFamilyServices.org.
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361)-444-4977
www.benchmarkfamilyservices.com