Why the New Year is a Great Time to Start Your Fostering Journey

Jan 16, 2025

There's something special about January that makes us believe anything is possible.

Maybe you've been thinking about becoming a foster parent for a while now. You've felt that gentle tug at your heart when you think about the children in care who need a safe, loving home.

As the new year begins, that feeling might be growing stronger.

January offers some unique opportunities that make it an ideal time to take that first step!

Just like many of us use the new year to transform different elements of our lives, January's fresh-start energy can help you begin this meaningful journey with purpose and confidence.

The Power of New Year Momentum

The new year brings more than just the excitement of fresh calendars and new planners. January brings a special kind of magic that makes big dreams feel possible.

And when it comes to starting your foster care journey, this natural momentum can be exactly what you need.

Think about it: your mind is already focused on positive changes. Your heart is open to new possibilities.

This makes January the perfect time to channel that energy into something truly meaningful!

While others might be signing up for gym memberships or planning to learn a new language, you could be taking the first steps toward providing a safe, loving home for children in need.

Why New Year Goals That Help Others Stick

When your New Year's goal is about opening your home and heart to children in care, you're not just changing your own life. You're changing the lives of others too.

Starting your foster care journey isn't like other New Year's resolutions that might fade by February. When you begin this journey, you're setting up a foundation for real, lasting change.

You'll find that the motivation to keep going comes naturally because every step forward means new possibilities for children in care who need support.

School Semester Timing for Children in Foster Care

Starting your licensing process and preservice sessions now means you could be ready to welcome children in care by summer or the new school year.

This timing can make transitions easier for everyone involved. Plus, many children in care need homes during summer months when school is out, so being licensed by then puts you in a position to help when the need is high.

Preservice Sessions and Support Groups Starting in January

Just like gyms and education programs, foster care agencies often launch new preservice sessions in January.

Starting these sessions just after the New Year is a great idea for many reasons:

• The group size at this time of the year gives you more chances to connect with other future foster parents
• Everyone's fresh and focused after the holiday season
• You'll finish your sessions just as spring arrives, giving you time to prepare your home during nice weather

January: When Work and Life Goals Align

For many professionals, January offers a unique sweet spot. With year-end rushes behind you and new projects not yet in full swing, it's an ideal time to focus on personal goals like fostering.

This timing lets you:

• Take advantage of post-holiday workplace calm
• Have focused conversations with your boss about your fostering plans
• Plan your schedule around upcoming preservice sessions
• Research company benefits that support foster parents

Note: While this timing works well for many industries, some fields (like tax accounting or insurance) may find other months better suited for starting their foster care journey.

Setting Up Your Foster Care Journey for Success

Starting a foster care journey is like planting a garden - it takes planning, preparation, and the right support to help it grow.

Let's look at how you can set yourself up for success from the very beginning.

Building Your Support System Early

One of the best parts about starting in January is that you have time to build a strong support network. This might include:

• Connecting with experienced foster parents who can share their wisdom
• Talking with family and friends about ways they can help
• Finding local support groups and resources
• Getting to know the staff at your foster care organization

Think of your support system as a safety net. The stronger you make it now, the more confident you'll feel later.

Planning Your Home Preparation Timeline

Starting your journey in January gives you plenty of time to get your home ready without rushing. You can tackle one small project at a time, like:

• Organizing a child's bedroom
• Child-proofing your home
• Setting up safe storage spaces
• Creating welcoming spaces for all ages

You don't need a perfect home. You just need a safe, welcoming space where children in care can feel comfortable and protected.

Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland foster parent, puts it perfectly in her letter to her child in care:

"We want you to feel safe and loved in our home. We understand that this may be a new and unfamiliar environment for you, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way."

Making Room for Change: January Tips

Getting ready to welcome children into your home isn't just about physical space - it's about preparing your whole life for this amazing change. January is perfect for this kind of organizing, when we're all in that fresh-start mindset.

Preparing Your Home

Starting in January means you can tackle both the physical and emotional parts of preparing to foster.

While you're clearing out closets and organizing spaces, you're also opening your heart to new possibilities. Some simple ways to start:

• Create a cozy reading nook in a quiet corner
• Set up flexible storage solutions that work for different ages
• Keep some shelf space empty, ready for future treasured memories
• Make a "welcome basket" with comfort items
• Start a journal to record your journey and feelings

Setting Family Expectations

If you have a spouse, partner, or children at home, January is a great time to start talking about how fostering will change your family life. Have family meetings to talk about:

• How routines might change
• Ways everyone can help welcome children in care
• Fears or worries anyone might have
• What makes your family special and how you can share that

Remember, it's normal for everyone to feel both excited and nervous. Talking about these feelings now helps your whole family get ready.

Creating New Routines

January is all about fresh starts, making it the perfect time to practice new routines.

Think about:

• Making your morning schedule more flexible
• Creating quiet times during the day
• Setting up a family calendar where everyone can see what's happening
• Planning meals that are easy to adjust for more people
• Making space in your weekly routine for preservice trainings and support groups

The key is to start small and build these habits now, so they feel natural by the time you welcome children in care into your home.

Get Answers To Your Foster Care Questions Before You Get Started

If you want to make a difference this new year, it's important to get your foster care questions answered.

Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care!

You'll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in care, and much more.

Foster Care