Maybe a HT? Fostering board?

Dr.Loretta

I just noticed that someone is asking for a Foster Parent board on TB. Do you think one is necessary? Is it something that needs to be separate from the adoption board? (obviously knowing that some people foster without the intent to adopt). Do they think foster parents would be unwelcome here? Do you?

firecracker8

Even though I'm on the adoption side of things, I love having all the amazing foster moms on here.

Would people feel better if we changed the name to adoption/foster or something like that???  

cadgirl

Although I don't post much, I've always felt comfortable here as a soon-to-be foster parent!  Although perhaps a name change would be nice so other people know to look here if they are thinking of fostering!

Dr.Loretta

Great idea ladies. I threw that idea out to BK and we'll see what she comes back with.

firecracker8

fredalina:

Personally I can't stand all the boards on TB already, so I'm not a fan of new ones, but I'd be cool with a name change. I'd pick "Foster parenting and adoption" so people don't think it's just for foster/adopt.  The danger of adding boards is we could end up with Fostering, Fostering-to-Adopt, Domestic Adoption, International adoption, etc. And then where would someone go for general questions?

 I like Foster parenting and adoption. The only thing I would change is for it to be Adoption and foster parenting, not that either is more important, but that way, anyone who has visited the adoption board in the past would still see on the list in the same place. Does that make sense?

CaptainSerious

I agree with everyone else. Personally, I think there are a lot of similaities between fostering and adopting older kids.  If the boards were seperated, I think a lot of helpful knowledge/advice would be missed.

wille2b

i dont see a need for a totally seperate board, a name change might be in order though. i am a foster and adoptive mom and i feel both sides are equally welcome!

meganroselee

Not unwelcome but I notice how the bump always separates a topic to the nth degree (hello pampers forum) My husband, Mr "why would you want to adopt" while we are dating has started to talk about foster to adopt so I love hearing about the differences, ins and outs. I think its important to have a general adoption group as well for all of the common things we go through as APs. Just my 2c

meganroselee

fredalina:

Perfect sense, and i agree. And if you switch it back to Adoption first, it can just be Adoption and Fostering. Short and sweet and doesn't imply only foster/adopt.

misread Dr L post to be about foster to adopt. Totally agree with this and pp

ctbride08

I would appreciate the name change but otherwise dont think a seperate board is necessary (there are other places I could go for foster-only boards if i felt the need) and have always felt welcome here.