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This message was originally posted by Runabout.

Just wanted to introduce myself.

My name is Lynne and my family and I live in Georgia

I am interested in Foster Parenting however have not look toooo much into it yet.
I am trying to talk my husband into us taking the classes and doing this. I have one son, 14 but after years of my husband and I trying to conceive we couldnt due to me having endometriosis. I had to have a hysterectomy April 2002.
I am happy with my life now however at times still yern for another child. I would love to become a Foster Parent and eventually adopt a child.
My husband is afraid I will get so attached to each child I will be devistated once they are taken from us and so will he.
I read where one of you made the statement that you do Miss them badly however the hole in your heart is filled with another child.
I really think I could do this and would love to give it a try.
I DO NOT want to deal with older children however- I know that sounds mean, but I dont want my son to feel as though he has to keep another teenager occupied, ect. I would rather him not feel like he also took a job on.
Over the years I have discussed this with several friends in my small town that does this also.

Ok- If possible I do have several questions-
1. Does the state help you financially with the children?
2. I work part time- Do they help with child care if its a young child or would we be responsible for it ?
3. What if you get child that you CAN not handle- what do you do?


I have read several post and enjoy all of the stories you all have shared.

Looking forwad to getting to know each of you :0)

Runabout

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This message was originally posted by lambeausam.

Lynne,

Welcome aboard! In answering your questions, I can give you the Illinois version. It is probably pretty close to what you will find in Georgia. Hopefully, one of our forum members from Georgia can be more specific.

1. The state will provide a monthly stipend that includes room/board, clothing allowance and personal allowance. The rates vary from agency to agency and are usually based upon the age of the child.

2. Child care can be subsidized from the state.

3. As for getting a child that you cannot handle...ask for help. Whether it's therapy, respite, or an in-home helper, ask for help. There are some times that the family just isn't a good fit for the child, or vice versa. In these circumstances, it may be better for the child to be transferred to another home.

Keep asking questions - it's the only way you'll get the answers!

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This message was originally posted by Jodi.

Hello and welcome! I am new here also. We actually just got certified last week and recieved our first placement this afternoon! Things went really fast once we commited to doing it. We have been "thinking/talking" about it for almost 3 years. I really wanted to do it, but my husband had the same concernes your husband has. I just didn't push him and over time he decided it was the right time for us. (I actually had help here. He is a massage therapist and several of his clients have foster children or have foster/adopted, so the subject just kept comming up for him!) It was really a God thing I know.
Well, here we are and our little girl is a real sweetie. We have a bio son (9) and bio daughter (3), so we are only taking children 0-2 to keep things somewhat in order.
We are in CA, so I know things are different, but really look around at all of your options. There is a huge difference in the money that is paid out from different agencys vs. the county. I was really supprised. I found that just keeping your ears and eyes open will help and you will start making connections to other foster families.
Good luck and feel free to ask any questions. I know someone here will help you out!
Jodi

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This message was originally posted by WEARGRL3.

Hello

My hubbie and I just went to the New Foster Parent Orientation last night for one agency and have another on Saturday. Has anyone else gone to more than 1 orientation? If so how did you decide which agency to work with? I am in New York State if that is of any help in response.

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This message was originally posted by toyjsu.

Hi,

Welcome to the board! Since your questions have been answered by others I will tell you my experience with fostercare. I have only had 2 placements. I was approved in Feb. I enjoy it. Your husband sounds a lot like mine. He was afraid I would get attached. I did, but who wouldn't. Letting go was eased by knowing that while they were with me I loved them. You will get placements that just don't work out. Don't feel bad about saying it isn't working. If you and your family are miserable, you are no help to that child. Good luck to you and your family.

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This message was originally posted by Lisa&Jason.

Lynne,
You sound a lot like me! I had a hysterectomy last May due to endometriosis and we were unable to have children. We started fostering last month and have had three placements. Two babies are still with us and there is a possibility of adopting both! We love them both so much, but if they go back we know we've helped them along the way and hopefully we'll get to adopt one some day! There are so many children out there that need good homes and love, whether long term or short term! Good luck and keep us posted!
Lisa

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This message was originally posted by jolean12.

Well I just got back from vacation so I wanted to welcome you to the board. I am also from Georgia, where in GA are you? They do pay for daycare if you work but it is only a certain amount, sometimes not the full cost, and also you have to pay upfront and the reimburse you at the end of the month. Here in Macon they have DFACS daycares that they will pay upfront, but I don't know if they are in every county. I agree that if a placement doesn't fit into your family get help and if that is not working the child should be placed with another family that will be a better fit. Good luck and keep us posted.