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Funny I should read this thread this morning! I just had a phone call from our former foster children's birth mom. She started off asking how everything was going and then whammied me with a request for a loan after telling me that the the brand new bike we just bought her daughter was stolen. We have had a great relationship from the start, but I always view fostering children with RU as the goal. I know that they will go back at some point in time. We try to be good role models for the families, and I would really like to keep in contact and even act as a resource for some things they might need. But let this morning's phone call be a lesson to be wary. Alot of these families don't know how to cope with the extra children with mouth's to feed, etc once the kids go home. They know that you received a stipend for caring for their children, and they know that you have the means that they do not. Heed the advise of many on this board- don't give them money! Buy groceries if you need to, take them to appt's, even watch the children for them. But don't give them money! I even debated whether the bike had been stolen or whether she hocked it for money. Just be cautious and try not to be naive. Alot of families in these situations have been around the block, and it is easy to try and give the benefit of the doubt. Just beware, and try your best to form some sort of relationship for the children's sake. They will benefit from your interaction. Good luck! You can do it, and I hope that you do!
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