Article is probably finished by now? Did you write at all about "Respite Care Providors"? (At least that's what they're called in WA state.)
For people who want to help but not be a foster parent, they can essentially do babysitting over weekends occassionally for other foster parents. I do it and it's a great experience--meeting new kids and brining out the goofy girl in myself with them. It's lovely to take my mind off my single / professional life and give to others on such a personal level. I'm helping both the kid and the parents--who each need a break from each other occassionaly.
The kids are usually on good behavior because there just with me to have fun, fun, fun--mostly one-on-one with no siblings etc. Everytime someone sais they have "problems", it cracks me up because they seem pretty gosh darn normal and well adjusted to me. I'm only exposed to them for two-three days anyway
I'm a single woman who dotes on them like an aunt. I'm paid $40 per day per child. I thought it would curb my social life but it really enhanced it--I now meet people in places I never would have visted before--swimming pools and batting cages etc. I only do it when I feel like it and I'm under no obligations.
I also get to "dip my foot in the water" before jumping in the pool of foster care as I plan to when ready.
This can be done with state agencies or private agencies and in WA state, required a 28 hr class series that was interesting and educational for me.
Families with kids can do this too--just include an age appropriate child in with your fun weekend and know how much you're helping another family. More single people can become foster parents if they have respite care to let them rest occassionally.
