[nikkimarie13]

Hi, I am a single 26y/o. I am looking to foster drug-exposed infants 0-12m olds.. I have just started the process and am going through AASK. How long does this usually take and what should I expect. I have been hearing horror stories from social workers. Please guidance.

[AngelArrow]

What did you here from cw regarding agency or infants? Infants that are exposed to substance of any type take alot of work and caring for. Each infant reacts different some may dont sleep some may not cry. I work with older kids. It is pretty much what you can handle I would suggest to do some reading, but each child has different needs keep that in mind. I work with kids that have severe mental disorders and they all have different needs this is what we can handle. I hope this will help you

[nikkimarie13]

The horror stories are about the process not the child, sorry. As far as the child I have an idea what to expect, though I am always trying to learn more. I did a NICU rotation and it broke my heart how someone can do that while pregnant. Thats why I decided to become a foster parent to these children. I just need advice on the process.

[AngelArrow]

Well, was with above, but changed I hope you understane what I mean. Attack mode and blah, blah the process is overall not that bad. It can take about a year it depends on how fast the agency is moving and how fast CPS needs foster homes. There is a great need for foster homes here in Arizona alot of grouphomes are closing. I would check around before you decide personal opinion, but everybody has different opinions and needs. They happen to go into attack mode easy. We are done now. On a final note, some people are better of just working with computers not with people. I hope you understane what Iam trying to say. Overall, great still with different side but not f/a p anymore. Good luck to you

[nikkimarie13]

Thanks for the info. I am new to all of this. I have looked around at different places. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who has done foster parenting in AZ before. But the SW who I talked to make it seem like a difficult emotionally draining process. I am more worried about that then being a single parent to a child. But thank you so much for responding and ideas. I truly appreciate.
N

[AngelArrow]

I hope this was a little help, but yes it is very emotional the cw was honest. You have to work with the parents and that can be draining. Also you have to let the kids go back if not TPR status and you do get attached. See in our case we a-p only and it is very emotional what gets me so frustrated sometimes is the rights some p' have How many changes are you willing to give to somebody? See were we as f/a parents we have to fight to keep the kids or battle very hard to have them a overall. You have to jump trough alot of hoops you need to be matched with the kids well you can provide a good stable home and this is what all these kids need and sometimes you just need to vent well we have a good support system here and that is what you need. Like I wrote before everybody has different views. It is overall what you as a f/ parent can handle, and how open you are. The procees is long, but remember at the end it is for the children, and I think that what counts the most. Help me Iam going LOL

[chevyjewel]

Originally Posted by nikkimarie13

Hi, I am a single 26y/o. I am looking to foster drug-exposed infants 0-12m olds.. I have just started the process and am going through AASK. How long does this usually take and what should I expect. I have been hearing horror stories from social workers. Please guidance.

I'm sorry I'm not from AZ but I do want to add I've fostered for drug exposed infants, three of them so far since we were first licensed a little over a year ago. Our first set of premie drug exposed infant twin girls came about three months after the nearly 6 month licensing process. I'm not familiar with AASK or the process there but I admire your determination to specifically help this group of children. The babies I've been blessed enough to help far exceeded everyone's expectations. They are fighters and tremendous little individuals. Once you get your first placement you'll see what I mean. I just wanted to wish you the best of luck in your journey!

[nikkimarie13]

Thank you for the support. They are fighters, I saw that during a clinical rotation in special care nursery. I pray that God will continue to give me the strength.
Nikki

[mbulldis]

I am a foster parent in Arizona. We have had ten placements in two years, eight of those were newborns. Of those, we are have adopted one and are in the process of adopting our second. They are brothers, born 15 months apart. Most of our children were drug and/or alcohol exposed and all were amazing. The system can be tough but, overall, there is more good then bad. If you have a heart for these babies, fostering them is truly one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Maryann

[adopt2010]

Maryann as a foster parent, are most babies in foster care drug exposed? Do you think it would be difficult for a single person to take on?

I am a single in AZ that's going to start the fost/adopt process in a couple years. Just wanted to get your take on AZ's foster care system

[nikkimarie13]

I receive a call from the family coordinator assigned to my case. Because I am single and work full time I am not able to foster/adopt 0-24. And was told due to the demand of the younger kids it would not be in my best interest to continue. I have worked so hard to get to this POINT. Now where do I turn. SHould I look for another agency or just give up. I thought there was such a need for foster parents in AZ so why are they turning people away.

[mbulldis]

There are agencies that are more accepting of non-traditional families then others. I am not sure where you are in Arizona but I would just call each private agency that places in your area and ask them if they would work with you.

Maryann

[adopt2010]

Originally Posted by nikkimarie13

I receive a call from the family coordinator assigned to my case. Because I am single and work full time I am not able to foster/adopt 0-24. And was told due to the demand of the younger kids it would not be in my best interest to continue. I have worked so hard to get to this POINT. Now where do I turn. SHould I look for another agency or just give up. I thought there was such a need for foster parents in AZ so why are they turning people away.

WOW...that is so disheartening to hear, especially because I was thinking about going through AASK. I can't believe that...did they ask you to change your age range atleast or did they just flat out deny you b/c you were single? I can't believe that especially since they say there is such a need for foster parents in AZ.

[AngelArrow]

Dont give up. Arizona needs foster parents. I have a friend who is single works and is TH care. Where are you in Arizona? I assume Phoenix area? Like with everything eles in life people have different opinions some people like the tradional family or prefer the brady bunch, but what is a tradional family? If you spoke with a sw I think you posted that can she give you mabye some direction? CC,ACA,APTCH,

[adopt2010]

Nikkimarie13 are you fost/adopt only or foster & fost/adopt?

AngelArrow: Are you fostering in the Phx area? Are there a lot of single foster parents that you know of?