[lookingtofoster]

Hi,

I dont know if anyone here knows the answer to this question, but I was wondering.... Does it matter if you live in a city vs a town to foster?? I would be going through the state to Foster but I was just wondering if anyone knew if they had a preference. I dont know if any of you are familiar with Massachusetts but right now I live in a little town in Mass called Bedford, and I am thinking about maybe moving to the city, either Lynn or somewhere in Boston like Mattapan or Dorchester.. SO basically if you are not familiar with Mass, little town Vs city I would be moving due to financial "stuff" becasue it is considerably cheaper to live in the city vs. where I live now. Sorry this is so long but basically I would be fostering 0-3 and I didnt know if they had a preference on where you lived. (also in either place I would make sure that the house or apartment fit the requirements to Foster)

Thanks so much,

Kelsey

[Kelly Rae]

Shouldn't matter as long as the home is baby proof and has a bed/crib set up.

In a city you would more than likely have more children entering the system so you could receive more calls.

[Faith65]

My cousin JOhn's sister foster/adopts in the Springfield area of Mass. She gets more calls and more need. They are always looking for more foster families. She too does 0-3. So I would say you shouldn't have a problem in the areas your looking into making a home either.

Good luck on your journey and keep us posted.

[wenrl]

We adopted through MA foster care while we were still living in an apartment and it wasn't a problem.

I think it can be an advantage to live in or closer to a city, because you will have more available resources. We wrote in our homestudy how close we were to a childrens' mental facility, hospitals, all kinds of schools, museums, parks and zoos. It's hard to have all that while living in the country.

[lakin11]

Not familiar with MA, but we live in Indianapolis, IN....a huge city. I know they always have more kids (and babies) than they do foster homes! Many of the surrounding counties do not have the same problem, more homes than kids, so they will often send kids to them. I know my home town is pretty small and not that many kids in foster. In my hometown more kids need to be removed, but doesn't happen. So for us living in a big city has helped us. As far as house or apt, I agree w/ previous poster, as long as its safe and set up for kids, you should be fine!
Shannon

[BlessedByTwo121]

I am in MA and if I am correct you will be dealing with Lowell. Lowell gets lots of calls for babies. You are also near some great hospitals. I would stay where you are at first...once homestudied and approved you can always move if you arent getting the calls. I am in a town near you and I get lots of calls.

[lookingtofoster]

Hi,
Thank you so much for all of your advise I REALLY appreciate it.

BlessedByTwo, You are right, I live very close to Lowell, I am not sure though whether I would be dealing with the Lowell or Arlington office. I have only gone to an informational meeting and I have not started classes yet so I am not exactly sure who I would go through. The guy in Lowell said he thought probably Arlington, other people have said Lowell so I'm not sure. Also one question, do you think I could choose which office to go through? Because the Lowell and Arlington offices are about the same distance from my house, Lowell is actually a bit closer so Im not so sure. Sorry thats so long, and thanks again,

Kelsey

[BlessedByTwo121]

I dont think you are able to choose which office but I would really push for Lowell since you are in between. I dont know how they decide but be a squeeky wheel. In our area Lowell, Lawrence, Lynn and Salem are very busy offices. I dont have any experience with Arlington at all. However I did grow up a town away and know the area well. Hang tight until you get your definite office assignment. Then you can decide later if you want to move.