any foster parents out there

amandadot · December 2012

DH and I are feeling led to open our home to foster care. Any advice? Tips for prepping and planning? TIA!

nicoleskr · December 2012

we should be licensed any day now...

We dont have kids, but I think you cant get licensed until your child is a year old. They also warn about not disrupting the birth order, but that's something you'll have to decide for yourself.

We hope to adopt out of the foster care system- though we are fostering non-adoptive kids as well.

You'll need to go through weeks of classes, they'll ask you to fill out a ton of personal questions, you need a bed and dressers (at least in AZ) in each room, medicines and cleaning products locked up, a fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each room (well smoke in each room- excluding closets and bathrooms). Its a lot of work, but I think in the end it will be rewarding. If I were you, I would look into it in your state, and at least get the ball rolling. Good luck to you!!

cadgirl · December 2012

Foster parent here... we don't have any kids of our own. We are licensed for up to 3 kids and we've chosen to have only ages of 0-3yrs in our home unless special circumstances suggest otherwise, and those we would consider on a case by case basis. What questions do you have?

elissaann26 · December 2012

Yes, I'm a foster parent. We are licensed for 2 children. Our first placement was two brothers (5 yo and 2yo). They just returned home a few weeks ago, so we are "on hold" currently. Honestly, we are trying to determine if we want to foster again.

I would advise talking with a social worker from your county and/or state. They will be able to give you an idea of the requirements to become foster parents (things vary greatly from state to state) and the time frame. The PP was correct that you may not be licensed until your child is 1yo, but our licensing process took 10 months so you might be able to start things now.

I would also suggest reading about other people's experiences. The best resource I found was local foster parents and blogs. I have a link to some of my favorites in my blog (LIS).

And of course, ask any questions you have on this board. It is a really supportive place with lots of experience! Welcome!

Foster1Mom · December 2012

We are foster parents. We currently have a four month old and eleven month old.

What kind of questions do you have?

Welcome to the board.

Alliebooberz · December 2012

We have been for 18 months, licensed for ages 09 and up to three children. We had one placement last fall of a 2 year old boy who has been adopted.

Good luck with everything!

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any foster parents out there

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