[Kay-Ray1]

I hope it's ok to post this link. It is the foster's parent's bill of rights, alot of which I never knew.
http://www.fostercares.org/Default.aspx?tabid=45

[mommyj]

I think it is great to post this information! This is for the state of Georgia. From what I understand, there are only 19 states that have foster parents bill of rights. Here in my State, CA, we are working hard with our assembly representatives to get a bill of rights passed. I believe everyone who is fostering, or thinking about fostering, should research what, if any, rights their state provides foster parents.

[Kay-Ray1]

O Wow I didn't realize that each state didn't have one!

[Luvbeingmommy]

How can I find out if my state has a foster parent bill of rights? Mommyj said that 19 states do -- do you have a list of those states?
Thanks!

[mommyj]

Yeah, check out this website to read the foster parent bill of rights from the few states who have them.

http://www.nfpainc.org/aboutFP/rights_FP.cfm?page=2

When we got into this, we had no idea we had no rights. Since our nightmare began last October, I have done a lot of research on the CA foster care system, and in general the national foster care system. There is alot of evidence of severe problems and abuse withiin the sytem, and there have been a slew of organizations created to work with legislators to overhaul the system.

Check out this website to read about the ugly side of fostering:

http://media.familyrights.us/expose/ExposeV2005.pdf

I wish I would have had this information before we decided to foster our niece. I would have hired an attorney immediately to represent us.

Justine

[gregorysparents]

Hmmm......Indiana is not on the foster parent bill of rights list!?!?!

Go figure!!! Maybe this is what I need to work on - getting Indiana a "foster parent bill of rights"!!

Christina

[hotspice58]

gregoryssparents, neither does New York. Let me know when you start on yours!!

[gregorysparents]

Well Millie, May is National Foster Care Month - so - I guess I had better get started!!!!

[hotspice58]

LOLOLOL!! Keep me posted!!

[mommyj]

Check out this website for the National Foster Parent Coalition for Allegation Reform. This is a national organization that has state chapters who are working on system reform in their states, which includes establishing a foster parents bill of rights. It is a long haul, but will be worth it.

http://members.aol.com/nfpcar/

Both Indiana and New York do not have chapters established yet. I suggest contacting Marilyn from Arizona for more information. Good luck to you both!

Justine

[gregorysparents]

Justine,

Thanks for the info!!!!

Christina