[crystalp]

Hi everyone. We are hoping to be licensed sometime in august to be fost/adopt parents, and we are going for infants 0-1 year old. What I'm wondering is what sort of developmental delays should I be expecting? I know that any child we get will be either drug exposed or neglected (at least most likely) and so they probably won't be developmentally on track for their age. But what I'm wondering is, what should I be expecting in an infant in the system? Would a 6 month old be sitting up by him/herself? Rolling over? Would a 10 month old be crawling? I know that every child and situation is different, but I would like to know you guys' experiences. Truthfully, I am sort of grieving not getting a newborn. I know it is possible, but not probable in the area that I am in. It's been so long since I've had an infant in my home, I can't remember what an infant does at each stage anyways! I guess I'm wondering how much of a "baby" the babies that are in the system are at each age, if that makes any sense.

Thanks!

[carlychan]

Hey! I don't think you will be able to get a firm answer on this. Foster kids are going to vary widely in their development. My FS was 3 months premature, so he is around 3 months behind "normal." In addition, he was exposed to drugs. That may effect his development, it may not. Each case will have its own variables. Sorry this doesn't really answer your question

[RobinKay]

Originally Posted by crystalp

Hi everyone. We are hoping to be licensed sometime in august to be fost/adopt parents, and we are going for infants 0-1 year old. What I'm wondering is what sort of developmental delays should I be expecting? I know that any child we get will be either drug exposed or neglected (at least most likely) and so they probably won't be developmentally on track for their age. But what I'm wondering is, what should I be expecting in an infant in the system? Would a 6 month old be sitting up by him/herself? Rolling over? Would a 10 month old be crawling? I know that every child and situation is different, but I would like to know you guys' experiences. Truthfully, I am sort of grieving not getting a newborn. I know it is possible, but not probable in the area that I am in. It's been so long since I've had an infant in my home, I can't remember what an infant does at each stage anyways! I guess I'm wondering how much of a "baby" the babies that are in the system are at each age, if that makes any sense.

Thanks!

If your child has delays contact the local Early Intervention program. Your sw can help you with that. Contact them now, and ask for brochures and things--they will likely be very helpful and may give you a copy of a checklist for 0-3 to look for age-appropriate skills. Internet research may answer your questions also. Good luck!!

[daveandmina]

There's obviously a wide spectrum of delays you may or may not see but I will give you an idea of the children I have seen recently. I belong to a foster/foster-adopt support group.

First there is my FS. He is 7 months old and was born 3 weeks premature exposed to crack. This kid is amazing! I have not seen any delays at all. He is sitting, scooting, up on all fours ready to crawl and very very alert. All of this may change later of course when we get into the elementary years. But so far he is perfect.

I know of two little girls who are 9 to 11 months, drug exposed and neglected. One has some delays with sitting and feeding, the other shows no delays what so ever. Both are sweet as pie.

There is another little boy I see often who is 9 months old. He was taken due to neglect. His main issue is fear. He's afraid of baths, he has seperation anxiety, etc. He also isn't close to crawling yet so that is a slight delay.

So there are a few ideas of what to expect. Really, you should expect anything across the board. But also be honest with yourself and with your caseworker on what you are willing and able to deal with.

good luck!!

[Suziebearhugs]

Every child is different. There is no way to say if there will be any delays or a bunch.

Every child that comes in the system is screened for developmental delayes within the first month or so of coming into fostercare. So the results from those tests can be very helpful.

Some kids respond very well just through being in a loving home, with proper nutrition and stimulation. Others need a little more help. Others may require a lot of help. You just never know until you get the child and see where they are at.

It is possible to get a newborn. There are some foster parents who ONLY take newborns and many of them do come up for adoption. So if a newborn is what you truly want than go for it.