[Ashleylove]

I'm 18, already im thinking about becoming a foster parent. my best friend when i was youger was adopted by her god-parents who were also foster's to MANY children over the years... but i dont really want to wait until im 21... what can i do now??? and who do i talk to about it? can i still start now, r does it matter, and WHY does it matter about age???

-ashlee

[AsFmom]

It's great that you want to foster! I'm a new foster parent, and I really love it.

You are probably too young to be a foster parent in most states. But you might want to start the way I did--by doing respite care for other foster parents.

When you do respite, you take care of foster kids for a few hours or overnight to give foster parents a break. (And some of these kids are tough--so foster parents really NEED that break in order to be good parents.)

Check with your local department of child and family services, and ask them what you would have to do to do respite. Usually, you'll have to do some training courses on fostering and undergo a background check before you're an approved respite caregiver.

I loved doing respite. I did it for two years before I did fulltime foster. It's a great way to meet a wide variety of foster kids.

[stephbix]

As a fostermom, I just wanted to say I think it's wonderful that you are willing to become a fosterparent. There is such a need for caring, good fosterparents and I'm sure you will be a great infulence on the children you have in your home.

Here's a short list of basic general requirements. I have a few pages on my website that may be helpful for you also:

StephBix's Spot - - Becoming A Foster Parent


General requirements
Requirements vary from state to state, and it is always best to check with your local foster care agency, but some basic general requirements are listed in the following:

- Be at least 21 years old. - Have a bed and personal area in which a foster child can keep his or her belongings. - Your home meets local fire, safety, and sanitation standards. - Be physically and emotionally capable to care for children - No alcohol or drug abuse problems - You must pass a criminal background check - No record of child abuse or neglect - An income providing for your own family, independent from the foster care reimbursement income.


Financial assistance
Depending on what state you live in, financial support will vary. It is best to consult with a foster care agency in your area regarding this matter; however, every state does provide financial support, and every state does require proof that your family's needs are currently met prior the additional income.

~~~~~

I liked the suggestion to become a respite provider until you are old enough to be a fosterparent. I can't tell you how thankful we are for those people who have been willing to do respite for us. In two years, my DH and I had 2 nights away from our children and boy could we have used more.

Another thought is to work with Big Brothers / Big Sisters for a while. I did that before becoming a fostermom and was a "big" for a 14 yr old FosterGirl. I worked with her so when she became 18 she would know how to get a job, balance a checkbook, cook. I also helped her fill out college applications when the time came. I really enjoyed working with her and I think it helped in knowing what was ahead of me as a fostermom.

Best of luck with your future and let us know what you end up doing.

~Steph~