[Blessed_one]

Hi all!
My SO and I are looking into the foster, foster/adopt programs. I'm just starting the research now and hopefully will begin the 27 hour training this summer when both of us are free to go. I've been a little concerned about the home studies, and I was hoping for some additional information/thoughts from those of you who have been through it.

Two main questions:
1) I have 2 lazy dogs and 2 even lazier cats, do you think this will pose a problem to becoming an approved home? (all the pets have grown up around kids and the dogs are particularly tolerant to being sat and tugged on)

2) I have a chronic leukemia that is in remission due to a medication I take daily, otherwise healthy and active. My doctors don't view the leukemia as fatal, just chronic. I've read differing articles saying not to mention "cancer" when adopting because it's a word many people associate with mortality. I know a physical is required, but how detailed is that physical and what is your view on a home study's response to "cancer"?

[mommytoEli]

it is not a big deal to own cats, as far as how much you have to do with the cats in order to be approved depends on the state you live in. in CA, they did not require us to show proof the cats were vaccinated and healthy. they basically just saw 2 cats and were like, "they have 2 cats" in our homestudy. in TN, they required us to show proof of health and current vaccinations. it cost about $100 and i just had to show the worker the print out from the vet with their current shots. it wasn't a big deal.

[potentialsinglemom]

On the domestic pets, they want a vaccination record. No biggie.

On your physical health, You will receive a form to take to your physician, who will verify your medical status.

[fredalina]

Your physical form may specifically ask if you have cancer. It is always best not to lie or mislead in your homestudy. Your doctor may be able to write a note stating that your leukemia is in remission and not considered a lethal case, but i would definitely not lie or omit, as scary as it is to think about. Remember, it's not the social worker's job to exclude you, just to identify things that might put a child at risk. Kids in foster care desperately need permanency, so they won't want to place a child who may end up back in the system if you aren't able to care for them long term.

As for pets, they should be fine as long as they are well cared for and UTD on vaccinations and not a danger to kids. i stressed myself out majorly about my dogs (i have 3 dogs, 2 are purebred great danes and 1 is a GD mix) because my father, who is not a dog lover, made me a little paranoid, but really it was no biggie at all. The social worker met the dogs and all was fine.

[Sooner]

We have 5 big dogs and all they wanted was shot records.

My husband is also disabled from a neck inury and we were approved. We started out as kinship foster so being family can make it different but we have since changed to regular foster status with no problem at all. They did list me as primary foster due to his health though. It is best to be honest on the form & there is a place for Dr to state that you are in stable condition etc.

[Blessed_one]

Thank you all so much! Your information helps a lot. The pet records are no trouble to get, and since there are two of us in the home, and my doctor says I'm good, it sounds like there shouldn't be too much of a problem there either. Have a great 2009!

[onhazier]

As mentioned above, the animals won't be a problem as long as they're up to date on vaccinations and are not aggressive.

For your health concerns, you will have the physical done by your primary care physician. However, you'll want a letter from your specialist confirming that you're under care and your chronic condition should not be a factor in your ability to care for children in need. I have a chronic immune disorder which could have been of concern. Once I got the letter from my doc, we were good to go.

Good luck and welcome!

[carlychan]

I did have cancer 5 years ago and was approved. I am the stay at home parent and my cancer wasn't even a glitch on the radar. My husbands DUI 11 years ago was a bigger issue That being said, my cancer is presumable gone (as opposed to chronic). The medical form will ask things like "is patient able to care for child/children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week" and you doctor will say yes (or no). My medical form was not very specific. I DID tell them about my cancer history though. I would not lie. This may backfire on you (as lies often do). Good luck!