Anyone switch foster agencies?

ctbride08

When we began the FA process I automatically assumed we'd go through the state. I (foolishly) didn't even think to look at the other agencies in our area.  Well, we are literally thisclose to recieving our license through the state and i'm already incredibly fustrated with the lack of communication, organization, and efficiency.  Would it be possible - or even practical - to switch to a private organization at this point? I certainly wouldnt want to re-do PRIDE or our home study...but if its going to make life easier in the long run i might not mind some rework.  Thoughts?

Has anyone here switched or thought about switching?

lilmufish

I like you, automatically assumed we'd go through the state as well. I didn't even "know" of private agencies.  We had been with the county children's division for maybe 2 months, and had nothing but issues with them. Some, but not limited to:

* Not returning phone calls
* Missed a home visit, worker never called to apologize or reschedule
* Took way longer to do things then it should have.
* Pressured to take ages/etc that we know we aren't comfortable with

I was expressing some concerns with a friend, and she suggested I go with a private agency.  What took 2 months, took 2 weeks with our Agency. We had to re-do some paperwork (in particular the 15 page short essay sections) but we're glad we did, we are happy (so far) with our agency. 

You're in a tough place, you're much further along than I am - we were at the beginning stages when we switched over. I'm not sure if i'd want to redo PRIDE, etc.

 

come*on*baby

we've had to switch agencies, but from agency to agency, not from state to agency. i would imagine it's an easy process as ours was easy. they just updated the homestudy, we didn't have to take any additional classes - just keep up with our annual training classes we need as a therapuetic foster home. things definitely vary by state, as fred mentioned, foster homes in there area through agencies only get the therapeutic children. its not the case with us. we are licensed as therapeutic, but we've had all basic children and we just received our first moderate child, who we are adopting.