[marinefamily]

We are foster parents in North Carolina, and would like to know if there are any other NC foster parents on this group? If so could you please email me at annie_hopie@yahoo.com I have some questions concerning regulations/rules

[Bjennifer]

We also live in NC and are in the process of starting the adoption process. I have thought about looking into fostering but not sure where to start or what is involved. Any suggestions?

Jennifer

[marinefamily]

Originally posted by Bjennifer
We also live in NC and are in the process of starting the adoption process. I have thought about looking into fostering but not sure where to start or what is involved. Any suggestions?

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer....Were in NC(onslow county)too.You need to contact your local dept.of social services. Then they will sign you up for the next MAPPS class, which is require for all foster parents to take.The classes are 10 weeks long.Ours was once a week on Thursday from 5:30pm until 8:30pm or 9pm.The classes are great. During that time they'll do a homestudy. You also then tell them what behaviors your willing to accept and not accept.What ages your willing to accept also. Hope this helps.

[FOSTERMOMMY2002]

HI THERE JENN, I AM IN NORTH CAROLINA AS WELL. BEEN IN FC FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. IT IS THE BEST THIING WE EVER DID. AS I WRITE THIS TO YOU, MY ADORABLE 14 MONTH OLD SON JUST WALKED IN AND SAID HEY MAMA. GO FOR IT. CALL YOUR LOCAL DSS AND GET INFO. ASK TONS OF QUESTIONS. WRITE THEM DONE. TAKE THE MAPP CLASSES. OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE LOVE, JOY HAPPINESS AND SOMETIMES PAIN FOSTER PARENTING TO ADOPT CAN BRING. THERE ARE GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES. BUT IT IS WORTH IT ALL. MANY BLESSING TO YOU AND YOURS, TUESDAY CAROLINE

[glenn&beth]

My hubby and I are in Fayetteville, NC and just started the process to become foster parents. We will be taking the MAPP class starting January 19. I would love to hear other experiences regarding NC foster care. We are going thru the DSS and want to foster infants and toddlers if that helps. Hope to hear from other NCers in foster parenting. Thanks! Beth

[kforkids]

We're in NC, too! What are your questions? DH and I have both fostered for DSS and a private agency. We had a foster to adopt finalize in October and adoption committee should be meeting by January 9th to "pick us" for adoption of our current foster daughter. (We're holding our breath- committee was cancelled in November and December!).
We've done a variety of different ages, etc. Fostering is a huge roller coaster- it is both the hardest and the best thing ever!

[glenn&beth]

I don't know if anyone else has had experience with this, but I have Crohn's disease. It is chronic illness that affects the immune system. I have been on meds for the last 5 years and have had several surgeries for it. HOWEVER, I have been doing much better in the last year and know that I am able to take care of a child. Does anyone else have a chronic condition and has that affected the committee's decision to approve you for foster care? Thanks! Beth

[kforkids]

Beth,
I don't personally have that experience, but I do have two friends who are/have done foster parenting with chronic diseases. They both just required an additional letter from their doctors stating the condition and what they are doing to manage it. Both were approved (in NC). Their conditions are brittle diabetes and fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor now (well, after the holidays, but before class starts) to make sure he/she could write a letter saying you could parent. I would not think it would be a major issue. Make sure you have a plan in place to deal with your health. Make plans for extra support during stressful times!

[glenn&beth]

I did bring it up with the SW, and surprise of all surprises, her daughter has crohn's. That seems like a good omen to me, even though it sucks for anyone to have CD. So, she did mention the letter from the doc which I don't think will be a problem. And she is going to work with me to make sure that I have everything I need to deal with that part of the application. But thanks for replying so quickly! Have a great day. beth

[kforkids]

Yeah! Having a SW to support you means the world! That is great! Still do plan for extra support- it sure does help!

[squeek]

Hey Marine Family, we're neighbors. I am in Lenoir County.

I just called Onslow Co. today because they night it was on the channel 9 news that they were short adoptive and foster parents.