Can I become a foster parent in the US if I speak a language other than English in my home?

Question

(Speak Hebrew, in case it makes a difference.)

Answer 1

If you know how to speak English, but you don't do so...wouldn't that constitute a choice?

I'm not trying to be rude at all, but CPL has a point.  She experienced foster care as a child.  She knows what she's talking about.  It can be hurtful to not "fit in".  A child who doesn't know what you're saying might feel left out.  I don't take what she said as an insult to you.  It might be worth your while to consider how the child would feel, to not be able to understand the people they're living with.

Answer 2

Yes you can but they don't pick and choose the kids language so you will need to speak english to them.  YOu can try to teach them  your language.

Answer 3

I don't see why not- that would actually be a good opportunity for a child to learn a different language...  but, if the child speaks english, I'd only speak english with him/her and teach them the other language if they want.  They're going to be going through alot of mental and emotional anguish with thei foster placement and family situation.  You shouldn't add any stress to their lives.

Answer 4

Yes. You can still become a foster parent. You should choose to (and will probably be asked to) switch to speaking mostly English if you are fostering a child who does not speak Hebrew. Depending on the demographic for your area, you might have a Hebrew-speaking child placed in your care. CPS/DSS usually makes an effort to place children in compatible homes. When I was a GAL, I was aware of Spanish speaking children placed in bi-lingual homes in order to preserve their native language skills.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Have you thought about adopting an Israeli orphan.

Make sure you don't lie and say your reformed or a Jew for jesus, if you try foster care.

I have a friend adopted/raised by a Jewish couple and they told him when he was 23. He was raised conservative and was devastated that he wasn't a real Jew. He walked away from his adopted parents.

I'm personally not religious. They are all the same to me but in some cases it does make a difference if the a-parents are and the foster kids aren't or are of a different religion.

Answer 6

for the answer:  I don't see why there would be a problem to become a foster parent.

for the discussion:  There can be positives and negatives! If it is not your 1st language, it's true the child might feel out of place! But then again it gives them an opportunity to Learn another language.  

Answer 7

I don't know of any hard and fast rules but different Departments may have different rules.  You may find you have a problem however if the foster children speak english, like many will, and you only speak Hebrew in the home.  Somebody will have to change and I doubt it will be the foster children.

Answer 8

I dont see why not. but you might want to call a few foster agencies and ask them,

Answer 9

Are at least one of you fluant in English? They would think that is a positive that there are two languages in the household.

Answer 10

As long as you can communicate with the child ~ that is what MATTERS.   If you can-not speak the child's language, you are not going to be able to "attach/bond" with that child.  

It is fine if you are bi-lingual, but if you only speak Hebrew and the child does not, the child will not understand you.  

However, if you speak English as well, it could be a fun learning opportunity for you and the child.  

You could share your language with a child who probably would never have that experience.  It could be fun.  

I am white and I actually had foster parents who were Mexican.  They spoke spanish alot.  I picked some spanish up from them.  But they spoke English to me and the other foster kids.  It did not cause a problem.  "Yo habla espanol"

Answer 11

It would really suck to be that foster kid.  Talk about feeling left out and unwanted, especially if you KNOW how to speak english, but choose not to.  Ouch.

I spent time in foster care when I was younger.  It sucked.  I felt unwanted and left out.  And MY foster mom spoke English!

Answer 12

the Jewish community has their own adoption agencies and probably have some kind of foster program that goes along with that....

If you have a heart beat, housing, and have not been convicted of any major crimes they usually let you foster parent in the USA... oh, you generally have to sit through some stupid classes for a few weeks, but if you show up you usually get approved...

I honestly know of no one who was not a felon who did not get approved by the public agency...