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Annie, You have to go with what is in your heart. Family and friends may mean well, but only you can make this important of a decision. I have been fostering for 7 years (teen boys for the last 3) and I love it. I actually can't imagine not doing it! (Even though I have 4 bios of my own). People imagine that ALL teens in foster care are there because of something THEY have done. It really bugs me! I think it depends a whole lot on the way you treat them from the minute they walk into your home. Even the "gangster" types are just looking for someone to love them and believe in them and you will not believe the difference it makes when they see that you trust them and believe in them...or the first time you stand up for them in a sticky situation...it means a lot and NORMALLY will make a difference in their behavior. I am not saying that there aren't any "dangerous" kids out there and you DO have to stay on top of things...just don't treat them like a criminal because of what their paperwork may say or because of what they look like...Good luck!!
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