What Is the Hardest Age to Foster a Child?
One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask when they begin exploring foster parenting programs is: What age is the hardest to foster? The truth is that every age group—infants, school-age children, and teens—comes with its own unique joys, needs, and challenges. However, many foster parents and agencies agree that fostering teenagers is often perceived as the most challenging age group.
But that doesn’t mean fostering teens is something to fear. Instead, it simply means that teens require a different kind of support, structure, and understanding. With the right preparation and a strong partnership with a Chico foster family agency or Redding foster family agency, caring for teens can be incredibly rewarding.
This blog explores why certain age groups may feel more challenging, what support systems help foster parents thrive, and how California foster care requirements prepare you for any age group you choose to welcome into your home.
Why Teens Are Often Considered the Hardest Age to Foster
Teenagers make up a large portion of the children in foster care, yet they are often the least requested age group. Many potential parents feel nervous about the idea of fostering teens for several reasons:
1. Past Trauma and Emotional Needs
Teens in foster care may have experienced years of instability, uncertainty, or trauma. These experiences can impact how they communicate, trust, and behave. While challenging at times, these behaviors are often expressions of fear or loss—not defiance.
2. Independence and Identity Formation
Teenagers are already navigating one of the most emotionally complex stages of life. For teens in foster care, this transition often happens without consistent adult guidance. They may test boundaries, express big emotions, or struggle with identity and self-worth.
3. Academic and Social Pressures
Older youth often juggle school stress, friendships, and social expectations. When added to the uncertainty of being in foster care, these pressures can feel overwhelming.
4. Preparing for Adulthood
Many teens in care are working toward independence—college, vocational training, jobs, or transitional housing. They need adults who can teach life skills and provide stability during this critical time.
Even though fostering teens may be challenging, many foster parents say that supporting a teenager through this stage can be one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. Teens appreciate stability and often build strong, lasting bonds with supportive families.
What About Younger Children?
While teens are often considered the hardest age to foster, younger children present their own challenges:
Infants and toddlers require constant supervision, feeding schedules, and developmental support.
School-age children may struggle academically or socially due to past instability.
Sibling groups (of any age) may require extra attention, coordination, and space.
Every age comes with its own learning curve. What matters most is choosing an age group you feel prepared to care for—and being open to training and support.
How California Foster Care Requirements Prepare You
Whether you choose to foster infants, young children, or teenagers, California has established guidelines to ensure every foster parent is prepared, supported, and capable.
These requirements include:
Passing background checks
Completing foster care training
Maintaining a safe and stable home
Completing a home study with a social worker
Meeting the physical and emotional qualifications to be a foster parent in California
To understand local expectations, visit:
Understanding California Foster Care Requirements In Chico & Redding.
These guidelines not only ensure child safety—they help parents feel confident and supported as they welcome a new child into their home.
Qualifications to Be a Foster Parent in California
Beyond state requirements, agencies also look for personal qualities that help foster parents thrive with children of any age:
Patience and flexibility
Strong communication skills
Commitment to routine and stability
Ability to work with a child’s support team
Openness to learning trauma-informed care
Compassion and consistency
These traits help parents support children through emotional ups and downs, regardless of age.
Foster Care Training Supports Every Age Group
Foster care training is one of the most valuable tools for new parents. This training teaches skills like:
Trauma-informed parenting
Behavior management
Understanding child development
Communication and relationship-building
Cultural sensitivity
Supporting reunification with biological families
Whether you are caring for a newborn or a teenager, training prepares you with strategies tailored to each age group’s unique needs.
Steps to Become a Foster Parent in California
If you’re ready to begin, or if you're searching for how to become a foster parent near me, the process is straightforward and supportive.
The typical steps include:
Attend an orientation
Submit an application
Complete foster care training
Participate in the home study
Receive approval as a Resource Family
Begin the placement process
You can review the full process here:
Steps To Become A Foster Parent In Redding & Chico, California.
A local Chico foster family agency or Redding foster family agency will guide you through each step to ensure you feel supported.
Choosing the Right Age Group for Your Family
Instead of asking which age is hardest, the better question is:
Which age group am I most prepared to support?
Things to consider include:
Your lifestyle and schedule
Your parenting experience
Your willingness to learn new skills
Your comfort level with various emotional or behavioral needs
There is no “easiest” or “hardest” age—just different needs and strengths. What matters is the stability and compassion you offer.
Fostering any child comes with challenges, but with support, training, and preparation, families learn to navigate these challenges and help children heal, grow, and thrive. Whether you choose to foster infants, school-age children, or teens, your impact matters deeply.
If you're ready to explore fostering or want guidance on the next steps:
Call the Chico office at 530-893-1614 or the Redding office at 530-365-9197.