Anyone do foster care?

[torinsmom]

I am seriously considering becoming a foster parent in the next year. I would actually like to foster to adopt or maybe even go straight to adoption. I've been divorced for 12 years, my son is nearly 17, and I am not at all ready for an empty nest at 42 years old(I'm 40 now) I am open to all races, but would like to foster/adopt a child under 5 years old.

 

[princessnoelly]

You are such a kind person. Good luck!

I know nothing about it but just wanted to tell you I think you are wonderful!

 

[torinsmom]

I don't think so. I think I'm kind of selfish to want another child to spoil, LOL. I always thought I'd have 4-5 kids and here I am 40 with only one. He's a good one, but he really doesn't need me much anymore :-(

 

[monkeybug]

We've thought a lot about fostering to adopt. It's something I've always wanted to do.
There are so many things to consider though and we are still working through those. Any child who has been abandoned or abused and neglected by those who should love and care for them the most is going to have issues and obstacles to overcome that most children don't. I need to make sure that my whole family is in a place where we can handle those. Right now I think that means waiting until my kids are older.
Still...It's really hard for me to think that while my kids are making wishes on stars for new toys or fun vacations, there are kids who are wishing for a mothers hug and a soft place to lay their heads. Makes me want to gather them all up and tuck them safely in a warm bed.

 

[RabbitFood]

We were foster parents for five different children over the course of several years. The experience broke my heart as well as the hearts of my biological children and was also one of the most rewarding and important things our family ever did.
Your agency will make or break your experience. Ask around--find out which agency can provide you with adequate support to get you through what will inevitably be really tough times. I cannot stress this enough--Do some serious research in your area (and on the Internet) before you commit to working with an agency.

 

[Darcy03231]

While not technically foster care, DH and I took in twin girls when they were 18. They were in the junior year of high school when their so-called parents abandoned them. They've now been with us for two years.

Its not all sunshine and roses. Abandoned children have a lot of issues to work through. Luckily were were able to get them services through the state for the first year because they were still in high school, although legally they were adults. We all did lots of counseling. Two years later they are doing well. Both are in community college and working part-time jobs. We still have some ups and downs, but the downs are less and less frequent.

Good luck.

 

[JDX4]

I suggest you go to fosterparents.com and look around there. There is a forum with a great bunch of people who can give you lots of advice. Several of the posters there are DISers too.

 

[Sparx]

If you're in the United States, I reccomend going through Department of Children's Services for your adoption. DCS is required to give you all medical reports etc about the children. Foriegn adoptive services are not required to do this, which can be very dangerous.

 

[torinsmom]

I suggest you go to fosterparents.com and look around there. There is a forum with a great bunch of people who can give you lots of advice. Several of the posters there are DISers too.

I'll do that. Thanks! I know many children from the foster care system may have problems, but the way I look at it, sometimes it takes trials to get to the good stuff in life

 

[crazelion]

I got three foster kids. I should have heads examine. LOL. My first foster child was a child from h@ll. I end up giving him back. The second was temporary custody and I would kept him. He was good kid. The twins and 4 year old sister is here to stay. They is place in my home permertly. They is a sibling group.

Has been easy no. Expect a lot problems and give a lot love. The kids need it. My foster kids call me mom now. Know that love them just way they are.

They outside now trying to kill each other now. LOL