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This message was originally posted by sgbelle.

I just found this website and I am hoping that it will help me to make some decisions. I have felt a desire for over a year now to become a foster parent, but I just feel now that my husband and I trulyare ready to begin this experience. My main question is how did you make the decision to become a foster parent? Any suggestions on the best way to get started? Please help!!

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This message was originally posted by Mike.

We got started for a specific child. I was a police officer and there was a kid going to a lock up just because there was no place to put him. We volunteered and started with an emergency license. Though it's on the books still, I'm told that they don't issue these permits any more.

[Archive]

This message was originally posted by HarleyP.

We just had our last home study and we are
waiting to be approved. It took us over a year
to decide to fostercare. We have 3 bio childeren and
the oldest two are the ones who really wanted us to
help other children because they said they fill so
fortunate to have a family that cares and loves them
that we maybe could help other children. We don't have
any foster kids yet so I can't tell you how that is going but
I will keep you updated. Once we had decided we wanted
to fostercare I contacted Defacs and we sighned
up for the Mapp classes. We started those in Feb. and
finished them in Mar. We took the classes on Saturdays
so they only took 5 weeks. We live in Georgia so the
Process might be different where you are from. I am
sure the Defacs office can answer some of you questions.
I hope I helped some. Good luck and keep us updated!!

[Archive]

This message was originally posted by Gwen.

You can start by researching the agencies in your area. Make sure you research them well. There will be the county one (DSS) and there may be a few private ones around. You can look in your yellow pages to start. There may be a listing of foster care providers in there. You can also do an agency search on this website. It is located on the side bar and you can attempt to find it there.
The private agencies tend to be smaller and more personal. Agencies can vary in amount for daily rate, type of children they deal with and rules. They all have a little bit of difference. . I work for a private agency and love it. . The small, family like attitude is a great support.
They should all be helpful, open and honest. If you find an agency that is not helpful, then I would say forget that agency.
Once you have decided on an agency, the process can begin. It will involve training, criminal and child abuse checks, home visits, interviews and references. Most of these things are required by the agencies. It will take time.. sometimes 6 months, sometimes 9 months. Again, it depends on the agency. Enjoy the training and ask lots of questions.
Then, you wait for you first child. The wait could vary depending on what age or sex you want.
Foster parenting is a wonderful oppurtunity to see children change and to love unconditionally. All you really need is love, patience and a big heart.




All the best

[Archive]

This message was originally posted by sgbelle.

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. One concern I do have is this, maybe some of you with children of your own can help. I am nervous that if we do foster a child my husbands bio children may feel jealous cause we are able to spend more time w/the foster kids. Right now we have joint custody---every other weekend and some holidays. I am assuming that once children in our care become adjusted, and if we have them long term they will be able to get involved in extra curricular activities.Sports, dance, church groups, etc. (Am I right in assuming these things work okay??) So, I am worried since they are not allowed by their mother to participate, bio kids might get really jealous and cause extra stress....