[fostermomtobe]

My husband and I are almost licensed as foster parents in Madison County, Alabama. If there is someone who is in the same area could you tell me what to expect. I hear you normally get placements right away because of the lack of enough foster parents. So, I would appreciate it if there is someone who could share their experience with me.

Thank you,

[mkchic]

Congratulations!! I am so happy for you. I also live in Alabama. I live in Jefferson County. My husband and I made the decision this weekend to procede with being Foster Parents. I called DHR this afternoon and hope to hear back from them tomorrow. I was wondering if you could give me an idea of a time frame for getting started and tell me a little about the process.

[fostermomtobe]

Originally posted by mkchic
Congratulations!! I am so happy for you. I also live in Alabama. I live in Jefferson County. My husband and I made the decision this weekend to procede with being Foster Parents. I called DHR this afternoon and hope to hear back from them tomorrow. I was wondering if you could give me an idea of a time frame for getting started and tell me a little about the process.

Hello Misty,

We first we had to go through some classes 10 weeks, one night per week for 3 hours per night. We had a pretty good class. There were some many people from different walks of life but all with one common goal. We had to complete a lot of paper work, a profile each for my husband and myself, basically it ask about your family, the family you grew up in, etc. We also had to have an FBI and ABI investigation and have our fingerprints done at the police station, and physicals (if you have had one in the last 6 months just take the form to your doctor to sign). The physical form we had just basically stated we were free from contagious our dibilitating disease. After each class we had to complete a strengths and needs worksheet and bring it back the next week. They just want to know what you gained from the class and what your needs still were. There were 2 in home consulations where they check your home to make sure you have enough room for the child and your home is safe. On the second visit they check to make sure you made the corrections. What we had to do is put a child safety lock on the cabinet where we keep our cleaning supplies, the little plastic inserts in any unused outlets, lock up all medication including over the counter. On our deck in the back there were no rails going down so we had to put one of those up. At the end we had to write a life story. They gave us a guide so it wasnt really hard just time consuming. They ask that you really tell the truth on these.

The training and paperwork is time consuming but I believe it will be really worth it. We have decided to take children from kindergarden through 6th grade. Boys or girls, it does not matter. We have one son who is 18 and will start college in January so its been a while since we have had little ones in our home full time but I am looking forward to it. I sure do wish they could tell you when your first placement will be but I know that is impossible.

Hope this informtion helps you. Please let me know if you have any questions or anything.

April

[Hunter's Mom]

HI! I am a foster parent in Alabama as well. Somewhere between Jefferson and Madison county to keep it a little confidential.

We received a placement before we were licensed - SHHHHHH, don't tell!!!!!!! The paperwork for the classes is a pain, but remember that it is to determine if you would be a good fit for foster care and that foster care is a good fit for you.

If you have bio children, they will normally be interviewed as well. If you have adult children, they will need background checks, too.

I love being a foster mom!!!!!!! Our cws are usually the BEST!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!
Christy

[mkchic]

Thanks so much to both of you for answering. I am very excited, but a little scared too!! We will go to our orientation Tues Oct 19. Whoo Hooo!!! ALthough, I am a little disappointed that we will have to wait until Jan to start the classes. I know that God has placed this burden on our hearts and it is a little discouraging to have to wait. Did you guys have problems with people that think they are meaning well, but say negative things to you about Foster care? It seems that when ever I bring the subject up people are soooo negative.

Christy,

Do you have bio children? Also, how long have you been a Foster Parent?

Thanks,
Misty

[Hunter's Mom]

I have a 9 yo bio son. He is great with all of this considering he went from being an only child to having 3 younger sisters!!!!!

Christy