[JocelynC]

One of the things I'm looking into is foster-to-adopt. I have mild CP but it wouldn't affect my ability to care for a child (I have my driver's license, am fully self sufficient, and by the time I start the foster cert. process I'll have a Masters Degree).

I've got a question. Are you allowed to be licensed as a foster parent if you are disabled? Have any of you known/heard of a foster parent with a disability?

I honestly think I'd make an excellent foster/adoptive parent, but I'd hate to get into the process and be denied just because of my disability.

(oh and I'm in Ohio if that helps anyone)

[queenjane]

As part of the process, you will have to have medical forms filled out. I just finished my pre-adopt physical and there was a space for the dr to write any conditions that would prevent me from parenting a child. If your dr says you are ok, then it shouldnt be a problem. As long as you can prove you are self-sufficient enough to care for a child, you should be fine. You might just want to call your agency and ask, if you have a problem with them, look for another agency. It might even be illegal for them to discrimate against an otherwise qualified person because of disability.


Katherine

[crick]

As long as your dr. says that you are medically able to care for a child, an agency cannot legally discriminate against you. They will likely have more questions for you, but I'm sure you have the answers!

[V8 Momma]

If you are receiving disability checks you may want to see if those would stiop if you are fostering. I know someone that was on disability and wanted to become a GAL (volunteer and set her own hours) and she found out that she would loose her disability checks.

[hubbyswife]

I have a disability and I'm able to care for kids. I had to get an extra note from my Dr. stating I was healthy and able to care for kids especially during stressful times despite being disabled. I'm sure u'll be fine!!! Good luck!

In one of our foster care mtgs (ones that they have after u are approved), I didn't know her but there was an older lady w an oxygen mask on.

[JocelynC]

Originally Posted by hubbyswife

I have a disability and I'm able to care for kids. I had to get an extra note from my Dr. stating I was healthy and able to care for kids especially during stressful times despite being disabled. I'm sure u'll be fine!!! Good luck!

Can I ask what type of disability you have?

[hubbyswife]

Jocelyn-
I sent u a private message to answer this...

[lisajm54]

I am also a disabled foster/adoptive parent in Franklin County, Ohio. I have been fostering for 8 years and adopted my daughter last year. When I went through the certification process, they had many questions for me. I am visually impaired so they asked many questions concerning this. They had to check on issues with superiors. AS long as you can take care of yourself, you have nothing to worry about. Good luck. If you are willing to put yourself through this to become a foster parent, any child will be lucky to have you.

Lisa

[JocelynC]

Originally Posted by lisajm54

I am also a disabled foster/adoptive parent in Franklin County, Ohio. I have been fostering for 8 years and adopted my daughter last year. When I went through the certification process, they had many questions for me. I am visually impaired so they asked many questions concerning this.

Lisa

I'm in Summit County (Akron), and there's a pretty high demand for foster/adoptive parents here. Yeah I'm guessing that they'll hace plenty of question for me, and rightfully so. They're going to be placing a CHILD in my care so of course they want to make sure I'm fit to handle the challenges.

Thanks for your replies, any more advice from you ladies is appreciated