[Rocking Mama]

I'm speaking from the wisdom of hindsight and wanted to share something that would've helped me immensely had I done it from the beginning and continuously since then.....

That is: STUDY YOUR FOSTER PARENT TRAINING MANUALS AND YOUR FOSTER PARENT HANDBOOK!!! Know these like the back of your hand. Highlight and familiarize yourselves with all the info -- especially that which is pertinent to the age-group you are fostering.

I didn't realize that most SW's don't even know what all is in these books. Unfortunately, if you don't know what your rights and responsibilities are, you might be given incorrect info and you might also be taken advantage of. There are also many resources and information for almost every scenario in these books. I used the info in my books to individualize our family's boundaries so that next time, we won't be "forced" to do something we don't feel comfortable with and we will be able to show a SW (for example) exactly where it says they MUST provide us with their home phone or personal 24-hour phone number for us to reach them.

I have been learning so much during these weeks without foster kids. I ordered business cards to hand to the people on our fc's team when we meet them in hopes they will treat us more professionally and with proper respect. I have organized 2 blank 3 ring binders filled with forms for documentation ready for the next fc. I have sorted the extra clothes we have in storage by size and season for the next child. I've purchased extra diapers, formula, baby food, wipes, diaper rash cream, etc. in case the child comes late in the day or evening.

I just wanted to share with y'all to BE READY from a pro-active stand-point. If you come across prepared, organized and knowledgable about your role as fp's you may have more favor from the SW's and DHS in general.

For whomever this may benefit. RM