Frequently asked questions

Adopting a child means that the child will live with you permanently, become your son or daughter, bear your surname, and you will become their mother or father. While we know that life writes all sorts of scenarios, the goal of foster care is to care for the child, who will be returned to their biological family as soon as they are able to properly care for them.

Absolutely. Your marital status has no bearing on your ability to serve as a foster parent.

There is no clear minimum wage requirement. The most important requirement is a stable source of income sufficient to support the child.

It doesn't matter whether you live in a house, a duplex, or an apartment building. However, it's crucial that the child in your care has adequate learning and recreation facilities, and that the place they live is appropriate for their age and health (for example, if the child has a disability).

Of course, yes. As a foster parent, you will have the opportunity to review the child's documentation. After reviewing the information gathered, the decision as to whether to foster the child will be yours.

If you need time to recover, your child will be placed with a foster family during your recovery. It's important in such cases to contact your assigned coordinator, who will help arrange a move to a suitable family. Once you've recovered, your child will be returned to your care.

Much depends on your relationship. A child can, of course, stay and live with you if they meet certain criteria (continue education or have a disability certificate). However, if you decide that your child is ready to live on their own, they will not be left to their own devices. Even before they turn 18, youth in foster care can participate in classes in Gdynia that prepare them for adulthood. The Child and Family Support Team at MOPS has a thriving independence section, which organizes the Gdynia Mentoring Club for young people seeking independence. The club discusses various forms of support available to youth in foster care. The classes also cover "real-life" topics such as managing a household budget, navigating the job market, and navigating the administrative landscape. Furthermore, team specialists can support a teenager seeking training housing (a temporary form of supported housing that prepares them for independent living) or a generally available rental apartment.

You don't have to—you can. If the circumstances warrant it, it's possible, but it's by no means mandatory.

You can. Once a year, you can also apply to MOPS for financial support for a child's extended stay away from home (vacation/break). Professional foster families also have the option of taking time off without their child. In such cases, the foster family will care for the child during the leave.

Your responsibilities are almost identical to those of a biological parent – ​​after all, you form a "normal family." These include supporting their physical and mental development, ensuring their financial, physical, and emotional safety. The fundamental difference is enabling the child to maintain contact with their biological family and the obligation to cooperate with institutions. While the reality varies, the fundamental premise of foster care is to enable the child to return to their family home when the biological family's situation allows.

You can. Furthermore, if a foster family or family children's home caring for a child whose legal status is regulated expresses a willingness to adopt, the relevant adoption center will not seek other candidates for adoption.