[meesh38]

We were hoping to become foster parents (not adopt) for a child under age 2 (because our youngest child is 2, I wanted fc to be younger). Is there a need for this? I had someone imply that there would be a long wait for this young of a child to be placed in our home. If there's not a need for this, perhaps we would look into another way to help children, but I really feel led to foster. Anyone have thoughts on this?

[happygalina]

I was told (here in Orlando) that they need homes for children of all ages. We requested children from infants to 13 y.o. & they told us we would probaby get infants.
Not sure if its the same in your area though.

[meesh38]

That's good to know. We're in Washington.

[fpsupporter]

We always need homes for kids of all ages. You might consider doing respite care as well, for a wider age range (i'm not sure how they do it in washington, here, you have to be licensed to do respite). That way, if there isn't a huge need for fps for the little guys, you can help in the meantime by babysitting other foster kids while their families go on vacation or recharge their batteries.
Good Luck!

[adopt2010]

Originally Posted by fpsupporter

We always need homes for kids of all ages. You might consider doing respite care as well, for a wider age range (i'm not sure how they do it in washington, here, you have to be licensed to do respite). That way, if there isn't a huge need for fps for the little guys, you can help in the meantime by babysitting other foster kids while their families go on vacation or recharge their batteries.
Good Luck!

fpsupporter, i'm in AZ, it's good to hear that there is a need for foster parents here. How long was the process to get licensed? I want to foster & fost/adopt.

[Boulderbabe]

Here in Colorado, there's a serious need for people willing to foster (not fost/adopt) babies. It seems like everybody wants to adopt them, but nobody will do straight foster. Two women I know that foster infants have babies in their homes basically nonstop.

[eomaia]

Have you looked into the statistics for foster care in your area? A quick bit of Googling led me to very detailed stats on foster care in my state- what reasons they were put in care, how many children from which county, and what the eventual outcome was.

Here's a link to get you started:
NRCFCPPP: Foster Care Fact Sheets

[HappyMommy106]

Hi! I am in the licensing process for the same, age 0-3 foster only (not foster-adopt). Same reasoning, to preserve birth order.

I will let you know what I find out as I go through my process

[tinatyme]

Uh, here in my county in MD there is a serious need for people willing to foster infants! I never have a free crib. I am foster/adopt but have had a couple babies reunited with family. It really depends on where you live. I have read on this board that in some areas there is a long wait for the placement of infants. I think probably if you live near an urban area as well there is probably likely to more of a need for families that will foster infants although I could be totally wrong about that.

Tina

[meesh38]

Thanks everyone! I guess I need to just get started with the process. I'm so excited! I'm sure I will have lots of questions as we proceed. I'm thankful for all your help!

Eomaia - thanks for the link. It shows that in my state, 19% of the children in the system are 0-1 yrs. That seemed quite high compared to the other states I looked at. Most were around 5%.

[stevenstwin]

I think perhaps the person you were talking to was thinking of adoption. I believe there is JUST as much need for fostering at these young ages, but NOT as much chance of adopting since so many go home. Since you wish to foster but not adopt, I'm guessing you'll get plenty of calls!

[PAmomof1]

I think it depends on where you live also. I wasn't prepared for infants at all and for a LONG TIME that's all I got. Back to back babies. A lot of times I had two at a time!!!

[Maura_H]

Here we need homes for all ages, including infants and toddlers. It just depends on your county I suppose.

I'd inquire with your county and see what they say. Good luck!