Disney and Foster Children

[yippi]

We are excited to become foster parents though a little apprehensive because we don't know what type of child we will recieve or how many. My fears of taking them to Disney with us besides the financial burden are age, behavior, social and other unknown problems. Disney is so crowded and fast paced I wondered if it would be to much for a child that has just been taken from their family. Then again, I think it may help the transition. Nothing like going on a "Dream" vacation to take your mind off things, especially for a child.

11 days is a long time and there is no reason why we could'nt shorten our stay to 7 days. That would make the trip more affordable.

I have thought about respite care for the children but I would never want to hurt their feelings or make them feel as though they are not part of our family. They have enough hurt to deal with and the thought of taking them to another home while we take a vacation just does'nt seem right. I want their experience with us to be a positive one and hopefully make a difference in their lives. I could'nt go to Disney with my children and sleep well knowing I hurt a child even more because of a vacation. No matter how much you try to explain to them that it was planned before they arrived or they were not allowed to go because their parents would'nt approve, it would still be devestating for them. Plus, what kind of example would I be setting for my kids?

Clothing and other things the children will need is going to be a small strain but...I'm a pretty good bargin hunter and prepaired to get the things they will need. One good thing is that I have two girls and we have plenty of clothes that don't fit that are in nearly new condition. We just went out and bought all new bedding, pillows, a doodle bear and diary for their rooms. We are hoping this will help them feel they have something of to call their own when they are placed with us.

My goal is to make a difference in their life. I want them to enjoy their stay with us no matter how short or how long. God forbid something should happen to me and my girls were dependant on the "State", I would hope they would be placed with a foster family like ours.

There are other things we can do and not going to Disney is not the end of the world...though it will feel like it. LOL

Here's a thought...maybe we could start a petition to Disney to offer "huge" discounts to foster families? Half price would be nice.

 

[kelly swann]

I totally agree with you. It is so important for these kiddos to have experience now they never got in their own homes.

 

[Darcy03231]

Zombie thread

 

[MSSANDRA]

It sounds like you have a kind heart and have raised sweet kids. My good friend has done foster care for almost 20 years and adopted several of her children. We are approved to do respite care for her. In our state you can be granted permission to take the children out of state, BUT....they have to be put on your insurance. State insurance does not cover out of state.

One other thing to consider is when you would be given a child....many times it is VERY little notice and could be the night before a trip. You of course could decline any child. The other thing is what child you may be asked to take, Unless you are listed to receive certain sexes or ages, you could be given a new born straight from the hospital or a 17 year old angry male or anything in between.

not a lot on answers. Are your girls old enough to not tell the foster children where they are going if you would decide it would not work to take them? I agree with you, it would be very sad if they knew and could not go. WDW will not help. but there may be someone that would in your area if they heard the story. Our foster care system has a very strong support system here.

Good luck!!

 

[DISNEYNV]

I am a therapist for foster kids in Illinois and kids are able to go out of state, but if the natural parents parental rights haven't been terminated then the natural parents have to give their consent. I think it is wonderful that you want to take them, but remember that they are new to you and you won't have had time to evaluate how they react in situations out of your home. These children will be stressed from the change of moving to your home and although most kids would be excited about a trip to WDW this may be too much for them to handle so soon. I would hate to have your trip ruined for your own family who have helped you plan this and are so excited. It can be a horrible situation dealing with your own kids when they act out in public, just imagine when it is a child who does not trust you and you do not know what works with them yet. I would recommend putting them in respite provided by your agency. I would make the agency aware of this ahead of time. Good luck. And a special thank you for becoming a foster parent because the need is so great. you truely will be saving a life. It is a hard job, but you will also find it rewarding.

I agree. These kids may be stressed already, and you may encounter behavioral issues or psychological issues and that's the last thing you would want over your family vacation. If you get the children into your home and all is well I would try to include them if you think they can handle a trip such as Disney. You have to admit Disney can be a bit overwhelming, however, the magic and family memories they would take with them if they are old enough to remember would be a priceless experience for a child in foster care. I would play it by ear. You can always add another person to your room up until the 45 day mark of your trip I believe. Perhaps get a larger room than you would normally in case you take extra kid(s) with you. Good luck, and you are GREAT for wanting to take in foster children into your heart and home!!!

 

[Gorechick]

This thread is 6 years old.

 

[wrmiller13]

We are foster parents in Ohio also. We have taken our foster children to Disney. If you are in a network agency, ask your network social worker and she will contact the county social worker. You must have the permission of bot the childs birth parents and the childs Guardian Ad Litem in order to travel out of state. They will put together a "treat and travel" packet for you to take in case the child needs medical care while you are out of town. There is no discount, only awesome fun memories for your family and the foster child. Put aside some of your "per diem" pay to help with the cost...our "per diem" pay was quite substantial in helping with these costs and is intended for the use of the child. I know it isn't a ton of money, but in reality, fostering is something that most of us would do without any pay! go and have a wonderful time!