Foster Parenting

[horselover58]

I've heard of it.

Four 10 year olds? Thats a good age though I think.

 

[stitch-a-bility]

We have wanted to foster care for a few years, but it hasn't worked out for us. We did adopt our son, but it wasn't through foster care. Our other children are all grown up and we have grandchildren. So our adopted son is all by himself and I would love to have someone here to keep him company.

I did babysit for a foster parent for a long time and everytime I would get attached to one of them, they would either go back home or they would replace them in another home. I remember crying over 1 young lady once. It BROKE my heart for her to be replaced to another home.

I commend each one of you that does this wonderful DEED. Lord Bless You!!!

 

[saddina]

Quote:
I got that when I called too, The one place was gonna take 2- 2.5 months, Since we're teachers the idea was to start in summer, so the kids would have time to adjust. Grab your phone book, and call around some, chances are there's more than 1 agency, and someone is going to do classes sooner, I called 4 places and went with the one that could have us set in 3 weekends.

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
I would call around because agencies can take kids from all areas, and i know you don't have to live local to the agency (but remember some get parent visits once in a while)

We have an acquaintance that lives over an hour north of the agency that gets kiddos

We have folks coming from an hour south of us to take classes so her daughters childhood friend can be reunited

Check around, you'll be surprised!!!!

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
east of detroit?!

Yes, neighbour!

I'm near Chatham, Ontario, have you heard of it?

I've heard of it, but I am not sure if I've ever been there. When I go to Ontario, I usually go through Sarnia, and off to London

 

[saddina]

They called at dawn to ask for a placement, 3 kids.... I only have 1 bedroom, so I had to say no. Now I'm somewhat bummed. I don't think I've been this nervious since the last time I waited for a pregnancy test.

 

[Boyd]

did DHS call you back Saddi? Going to meet a new teen?

 

[horselover58]

Hey Boyd

Thanks for the info. I'll check around and see if there are any other classes. However, I do know that the classes here pretty much cover the surrounding counties. I was just wondering if I could take the classes say in a bigger county like Lexington, KY and then have my county do the homestudy, background check etc? I guess I'm too anxious! There is just one little girl I'm really trying to get. But then again, she is 13, so she might still be available ? She reminds me of my daughter when she was 13. I just have a yearning to give her a loving family. Call it a sign from God, don't know?

 

[Sillystunt]

here in Florida we have to have a health inspector comeout...smoke dectectors in every bed room, fire estinquiser, frig and freezers at right temp, we have to have a locked closet for any chemicals and prescription drugs, 40sq ft per child for sleeping arrangments, seperate beds and pet vacc.( my chickens were exempt)FBI background checks and local checks, we are also required to have a fingerprinted babysitter on file as well as our prints.

We had to take behavioral classes, MAPP classes, prescription drug classes, a homestudy and then we got our first placement.

Usually the placement agency services certian counties and they prefer not to place out of county. Even though it happens but usually with group homes.

We just had to have one of the sisters we got removed I hate some parents!!! She's 4 and didn't understand what she did. Flordia law now requires her to be the youngest child and in a roomby herself. The hardships of fostering cause now sisters are seperated!!!

Totally stoked cause tomorrow is foster parent apprication day...FREE VISIT to cypress gardens and lunch...woooo whoooo

 

[Sillystunt]

Quote:
REALITY CHECK!!!
these kids are not like yours!!! 13 year old children can be a disaster!! Exspecially if they have been in the system long!! that doesn't mean they are all like that .These kids are coming from abuse, drugs,etc. But i really think you have a false outlook on fostering and adoption. ( not trying to be mean)
You have to take the classes usually in your county and most have them run year round. The license covers the state but you take them in your county. it takes 6 months (average ) from start to finish...adoption is a little shorter. Take the orientation!!