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Originally Posted By mary cupp

i am trying to find out how to become a foster parent ,and what I need to do also who to contact. Any information would be appreciated.

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Originally Posted By Marie

Contact your local Florida Dept of Children and Family Services (www.state.fl.us) or the website "Florida's Kids." You will be asked to attend an orientation lasting a few hours that includes information on how the system works and what to expect and what not to expect from the children behaviorally (do not expect them to behave like "normal" children, they have been traumatized). You will also have your questions answered by active Children and Families workers (caseworkers, protective investigators, child license workers, placement specialists, state sanitation workers, etc.). They will tell you what to do in order to become a foster parent, and necessary paperwork is usually given to you there as well. Be prepared, there is an extensive amount of paperwork and divulgence of personal information, including proof of employment and income statements. You will have your home inspected for safety and sanitation requirements, will be interviewed by DCF workers, and will be subject to complying with recertification, reinspection, and continuing education annually. You will also be fingerprinted for local and FBI criminal history checks (and so will anyone living in your home). Local checks are done annually, and national ones each five years. It will require much patience on your part, but will be worth it in the long run if you can hang on. It can take as little as a few weeks to a few months from start to finish, depending on how soon you turn in the paperwork, how busy your department is, and how desparate they are for foster parents. I wish you all the luck in the world and hope you really are serious about this. I have just been recertified for my second year, and it has never been a dull moment. If you are non-judgemental, very patient, love kids, and have no preconceived ideas of them and no expectations of them, have a great deal of energy, a good support system (family or church and other foster parents), and can afford to care for a child as if he or she were your own (you will be only reimbursed for a portion of your expenditures), then fostering is for you. Your services are desparately needed!

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Originally Posted By mary

Call the office of dept of children and familys in your home town they will set you up with the person in charge of m.a.p.p classes you have to have the classes to become a foster parent

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Originally Posted By TONJA HARTJES

CONTACT THE CHILDREN'S AND FAMILIES OFFICE-FOSTER CARE DEPT. YOU CAN CALL INFORMATION OR IT'S IN THE BLUE SECTION OF THE PHONE BOOK. YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE A 10 WEEK M.A.P.P. COURSE AND HAVE A HOME STUDY, BACKGROUND AND FBI CHECKS. ALL THIS TAKES 3-5 MONTHS IF YOU ARE QUICK WITH ALL THE PAPERWORK. WE'VE BEEN FOSTER P[ARENTS FOR ALMOST 2 YRS. GOOD LUCK!!

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Originally Posted By Shannon

When you find out could you please let me know? FChevygator@AOL.com

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Originally Posted By gloria

if you live in pensacola contact childrens home society
850 494-5985 thresa

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Originally Posted By Melanie

Hello my name is Melanie and i am looking for a child i want a girl about 9 years old if you have any girl 9 year olds can you send me a picture and info at dshick@aol.com thanks!

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Originally Posted By vee

what do you meen by "reinbursed by your portion of expenditures? there are so many big words people use

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Originally Posted By Marie

I meant that, even though the state will pay you a very small amount of money for keeping foster children, it will usually not be nearly enough to cover the actual cost of caring for the kids. For example, if you keep a child for a month, you may get paid, let's say, about $500.00, but had to spend about $750.00 for all, food, clothes, school supplies, medicines, doctor visits, field trips, glasses, etc.
The main thing I meant is that you have to look at this as a way to take care of a child and not a way to make any money. You have to think of these kids as "yours," take care of them the same way you would yours, or it will not work, and you can go broke real fast!

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Originally Posted By Ofelia

I'm interested in becoming a foster parent can you please send me information who I need to contact.I live in Tampa Florida



Thank you

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Originally Posted By marie

READ THIS IMPORTANT


i i'am looking for my brothers who were adoptedout thourgh florida childern and families therr names are richard lamar woods and johnathan micheal woods, they were too old to have thier first names changed, i don't know how to begin my desparte search for them i contacted the adoption worker and still have no word so i'am hoping thourgh this maybe i can reach thier adopted family. I have a family of my own and wish for them to meet thier nice and nepews who are growing rather quickly i'am afraid they are missing out on them as well as my kids missing out on caring uncles, richad was born on 12-28-1981 or the 27th johnatan was born on 04-08-1983 please if you have any info on them leet me know the workers name was melba green from lake city florida. my name is Dollie marie parsons then Dollie Marie Perry you can contact me by phone or email phone number is 607-732-8594 ny email address is happy45lucky@aol.com or happy45lucky@yahoo. com please contact me if you know anything

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Originally Posted By Kellie

Hi Mary all you have to do is contact
The Department of Children and Families.
It is a state agency in Florida!

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call 407 245 0430