OPINION — When considering the challenges of embarking on a foster care journey, the list can be long. Do we have the time? The space? The finances? These questions are important and take some soul-searching and “real talk” by couples when making this decision. The question that often falls to the bottom of the list for couples: Is our relationship strong enough for this?
Agencies like Arizona’s Children Association are challenged with this each time they interview potential foster parents. Agencies can collect all the concrete data — the pay stubs, the health forms, the background checks — but no form helps you see the health of the couple.
We ask questions about communication, conflict, support and strengths, but it’s nearly impossible to really know a couple before that licensing application is sent off.
