[Miss Missy]

My husband and I are about three steps into the process of becoming foster parents to newborns thru 6mos. We have 4 bio children of our own so we are going into to this stickly to provide a temp. home for these babies. My question is how long should we expect to wait after we get our license for our first placement? I get conflicting stories from different people. Some say almost instantly, some say we could wait awhile. I am just trying to prepare myself and my family. Thanks for any help anyone might have. I am from Texas.

[jodyk]

There is no set amount of time you'll have to wait. It depends on how many children in your area come into care through your agency, their ages, your restrictions, etc. I've seen people on these boards say they've gotten children the day they were licensed, and I've seen others who've said they waited a year. I waited about 4 months before I got my 7mo fs, although there were a few calls before that that didn't work out.

No matter how you try to prepare, it doesn't seem to work out as you plan; I thought I'd have some notice before getting a child, but the first time, they called around 3:00 & I picked him up at 5:00. The second time (same child), they called at 4:45 & I got him at 5:30.

The name of the game in fostering is "go with the flow.' There's so much that you have little or no control over, so you have to learn to ride the waves -- and turn to these boards for advice & support.

Good luck.

[fpintx]

I just want to say congratulations on your venture. I am FP of NB to 5 years. I got my 2 girls the day I was licensed. I am also in Texas, what City are you in? I'm in Nederland. I'm glad to see someone else from TX. Maybe we can chat more later. Lots of Blessings,

[Charliemae]

Congratulation. My husband and I were licensed in August and got our first call two weeks later,an infant three weeks old. About two weeks later we received another call for a newborn but said no because I didn't want two infants right away because I have a 7 month old grandbaby that comes to vist on the weekends. Well about two weeks later I get another call for a newborn and I just couldn't say no a second time. That placement only lasted for about two weeks,so it wasn't too bad after all. Just didn't get much sleep. Those two placements went to family members about the same time. Four days later I get another call for a new born that lasted for two weeks. Well the house is empty for now and you would think I would be enjoying the break, but I can't wait for the phone to ring . I am also in Texas. Good luck

[NICKI4NYC]

Tomorrow is just my first day of orientation. I'm so anxious and I can not wait to get where most of you are, and having your certificates that is a wonderful thing. My husband works and I stay home so I hope he is not needed to come to the classes with me. They told me that the classes would be over in 6 weeks and I could possibly have a baby waiting for me. My age range is 0-6 mos. But I have three kids and room for two more by NYC guidelines. I want to be a foster mom to babies I can adopt. Is this an option or do you have to take in all. I'm so afraid of getting attached and then letting go. My kids really want a little brother and/or sister and I really want more babies.

[sls_93]

We too are about 3 steps into the process we are also from Texas. I must say I'm learning more about my husband than I knew before. Just small things that just proves how loving he is. We are in the Livingston area. We are taking foster/adopt classes on Saturday. We can't wait either. We are considering children under the age of 2 that parental rights are more than likely going to be taken away. I'm not sure how I will cope at first with only being able to keep the child for a few months then have to give it back. But we are going into this with a open mind so we will try and if we do ok then I don't mind but if it upsets me too much then we will change to more adoption only and no fostering.

[bwinks]

We got our first baby the same day. You can stay as busy as you would like to be you are the one that is in control. We preferred to have those precious angles in the house all the time. Because of that this year alone we have only had 7 days this year without a baby in the house. We did transitional care for a private adoption agency and we could not think of a more rewarding experience. Best of luck

[Miss Missy]

Thanks to everyone for responding to my original thread. We are getting so excited. My bio kids range from 17 down to 8. I have four. They too are ready for this adventure. We are our Pride classes in a week. They go for 4 weeks total/ In the meantime I a have been getting things ready at our house. Getting all the things together that the homestudy requires. I want it to happen overnight and the truth is it just takes some time. Our agency said they are trying to get us licensed by christmas, So we will see. I have plenty to keep me busy but it seems as if the days are long. It will be here soon.