[SarahLaughed]

My husband and I want to become foster parents - we made our first call on Aug 1st, leaving a message on voice mail - then again on August 6th when we didn't get a call back.

The worker called me the same day, apoligized that I got overlooked and said someone would call by Friday or next week to set up a home visit.

Finally got our call on Aug 12th, for an appt on Aug 15th. We were so excited, but then the FP lady called the morning of Aug 15th to say she would have to cancel due to car trouble, and that she would call later that day to reschedule.

No call, so on Aug 19th, I called the FP lady and left a voice mail. Still no response as of today, Aug 21st. They didn't ask us any questions yet, so I don't think it's because they don't want us?

Should I keep calling? Should I call the first worker back and tell her what's happened? I feel like I am starting to be a pest!

It's been 3 weeks now since our first call, and I guess that's not so long, but we are anxious to get the process started. I'm in Ontario, Canada, if that makes a difference?

[MPJJJ]

I would just call and say that you understand that they are very busy, and if it's possible that you could be mailed your application so that you can go ahead and start the process (to make it easier on them). 3 weeks is a long time, IMO. Our licensing worker scheduled orientation that day, and within a week we had our application.

[SarahLaughed]

Thanks so much for your reply!

I did as you suggested, I just called the main number, left a message on their voice mail that it had been 3 weeks and could we come pick up an application to fill out while we wait, and left my number.

Hopefully someone will get back to me tomorrow.

[mamallama]

3 weeks seems like a long time to me too. I'm not familiar with the process in your country though.

[MamaKnkids]

It was like that for us, too. I have found that being a "pleasant bug" as my husband says, can go a long way. You just make phone calls, nice, short, ones, over and over and over again until they return them.. Works for me most of the time. Be proactive, too - like, have you checked the web? - our State has foster/adoptive parent applications that you can download and fill out and then send in. Just keep calling. The kids are worth it.

[SarahLaughed]

I've looked all over the local website, but didn't find anything - however, I may have missed it.

Thanks, I will keep trying, being a "pleasant bug" as you say, till we can begin the process.

[SarahLaughed]

I just got a call back from the main office that the FP lady I was supposed to meet with last Friday was away on holidays this week - wish she had told me that.

So they will put a note in her box to call me right away on Monday, but they won't let me have the application form till the first home visit. It's the city Children's Services, and she said that is their policy.

She told me to call in again if I don't hear from them in another week or two. I hope it doesn't take that long!

[SarahLaughed]

The FP lady called this morning and we are to meet tomorrow morning. Finally we can get the ball rolling!

[mommytomykids]

Yeah! Good Luck and keep us updated on the journey!

[SarahLaughed]

Well, it went well, although the FP lady was late and I worried it would be cancelled again. We talked for nearly 2 hours and she seemed happy with what I said, and answered all my questions. She said they have a high need of foster parents for babies.

Now I have a mountain of paperwork to work on! She said it takes about 8 months to get licensed - one month less than the woman I first talked to. A woman online who fosters in Alberta said it could be done in 3 months, if I get everything done quickly.

I am so afraid that we will go thru all this only to be turned down at the end. I don't think I can take much more heartbreak...

[lyly]

That's the same way i feel. All this time and you never know if you won't get licensed. From my understanding is that if they invite you to the training classes there shouldn't be any reason not to be licensed. But you never know. keep in touch.