[BigDogMom]

My husband and I received our official license to do foster care about a month ago. We have gotten one call for placement and the family ended up being able to work things out so the girls could remain with the family. Yeah! But we are still waiting and wondering why if there is such a huge need for foster homes why aren't we getting calls.

I'm getting a little discouraged. Has anyone else had to wait for weeks before getting a call for placement?

Traci

[hope21]

I think they are hesitant to use new foster families in some areas. Especially if they have homes where they have an established relationship with them and know they know how to do it all. We waited over a month and then when it was the day before thanksgiving weekend and they had a placement no one else was willing to take right then, we were up. They will come to you eventually. Afterall, if people are going to stay with their agency they need to feel useful. I think its normal to not have calls at first. Good luck, it probably won't be too long!

[BigDogMom]

Thank you for your encouragement. Our licensing worker came by the house for our first licensed inspection and I think just because she likes to come and visit with us. I spoke with her and she said that she is really surprised we have gotten no calls but that most of the placements they have had lately are little ones. My husband and I are licensed for 5-18 year olds and right now there aren't any to be placed. So, that is a good thing for our county but I just feel bad that the counties neighboring ours, which are larger metro counties are over loaded and have even had newspaper articles about the shortage of foster homes, can't use our home for placements because of the county difference. It is just hard to keep wondering when and you go through so much so that you can help and it's hard to accept when you feel uneeded. I know that we will eventually get a placement. I just keep praying for God to continually prepare our hearts and our home.

Traci

[andreab]

I understand how you feel. I have been licensed in Michigan for over 2 1/2 months now with no phone calls for a placement. I thought that there was a huge need for foster parents.... but I guess not?

[BigDogMom]

We finally got a placement about 2 weeks ago. I was advised that at times there just aren't kids in certain age groups that are in need of placement. Which can be looked at as a happy thing. Just remember that you are opening your heart and home and just being there and ready when a child does need you is a wonderful thing. There really is a need, a huge one but I all too much understand the frustration of knowing some kid is out there alone and scared and in need and no one knows. It's absolutely heart wrenching. Hang in there and keep yourself prepared because that call comes when you least expect it to.

God Bless,
Traci

[kforkids]

I changed foster agencies in August, because I was frustrated that we were not getting calls about placements.
My license has been current with the new agency since August, but I have not gotten a single placement. My SW is hesitant to place with me because she knows I want to adopt. She wants to "save my spots". I'm licensed for 4- just give me one kid!!!
I'm frustrated!