This message was originally posted by
jodyk2.
Heather,
Don't worry; while the prospect of the interview is scary, it's really not so bad. I don't know how they do it in the UK (or even other agencies here, for that matter), but it helps to remember that, as much as you want to be a foster parent, they NEED you to be one. The questions are to make sure you're a stable person, you aren't doing it for the money (they make sure you earn enough to take care of yourself & your family), and that you do want to care for children.
If they're coming to your home, they'll probably tell you what you need to meet safety standards. Most of my training was done before the 1st home visit, and they gave us a list of what we needed to have. They told me they like to come first & let you know what you need to do before they do the in-depth interview, just in case you decide it's too much -- they don't want to waste your time or theirs if you decide to not to make so many changes.
My interviews were about 2 years ago, so I don't remember them all that well, but I do remember that it wasn't nearly as prying as I thought it would be. It will help if you think the conversation through in advance: Why do you want to foster? How will you work out child care if you work? How do you discipline (Answer: "I don't believe in spanking or other corporal punishment. I try to redirect their attention or give them a time out as a last resort -- 1 minute per year of age." [I do happen to believe & do this, but it's also the PC answer.
])
In the U.S., they do ask the ages/sex/races you want to foster. There are no wrong answers, but be honest about what you're comfortable with. At first, I was going to foster only girls, but later on decided that I'd take any young (under 4) child who needed me. I've ended up with a wonderful nearly 2 year old boy. I do sometimes pine for a girl (he can be exhausting!), but he's been the light in my life for the last year (and the dark cloud for the 4 months he was back with his mother).
Just remember, they're people, too. And the workers I've met have all been very young & some are new to the job, so they're nervous as well. Just take a deep breath, try to relax & remember that if you want something badly enough, you have to jump through the hoops that are there to get it.
--jody