[Kristin7]

Hi
My name is Kristin. I am a single woman and have recently decided to start foster care classes with the idea of hopefully adopting a child. I have no children of my own, but have provided shelter and love to my two nieces that were removed from their home(my sister's) and placed with me. I had them for four years and they were just recently reunified. Because of this experience I have learned that I have a huge heart and am able to love and give children love and security and stability and want to do that for another child/ren.

I suspect that my nieces will be placed back with me in the near future...but even if they were...I have the love and the space for two other children in my home.

Questions: I am working with an agency and they told me that it is very unlikely that any children under the age of 10 would ever be placed with me. Is this a realistic statement? I have been reading here and am astonished to see all the very young children being placed in your homes...not at all what I have been warned to expect.

Also....if I have the goal of wanting to adopt the child..should I register as a foster home or a foster/adopt only home and will that prolong any placements with me?

And 3....how is the financial part of it handled? I am not doing this to make money, obviously....but I am not rich by any means and can't afford to pay for lots of things for the kids...if they just stay a day or two. Does the agency pay for care if the kids are there for just a few days/weeks?

Any help,advice, suggestions etc....would be greatly appreciated.

I'm in Illinois and would love to hear from any other Illinoisans.

Thank you
Kristin