[Withay]

would you still become a foster parent? Why? Why not?

[timleenettesue]

Without a doubt. I have met some really wonderful people, including but not limited to the child we have shared our home with. Also, we have gained our "bonus" children through foster care. One we have already adopted and three more we hope to finalize on before the end of the year!!!

YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!

[Sam-N-Tony]

Yes, I would've still been a foster parent and I think even now we all still have choice whether or not to be foster parents. Some people stay in it because of the loyolty to some of the kids already in their home or just because they like to love and take care of the kids or they want to add to their permanent family. I can't say that I will continue to foster after we adopt (if that ever happens) but I guess that is a road I will cross when we get there. I may continue depending the situation.

For now, I wouldn't change one bit (other than some Judges & CW's).

[mom2behappy]

even tho the system stinks most times and god knows its slow as molasses.. id do it all again a thousand times id accept every child again also even the difficult troubled ones because for me all experiences are a lesson learned and those hard to deal with children taught me patience and understanding that only being a mom can bring not to mention my children for I couldn't imagine my life without them. my morning prayer starts of God thank you for the blessings you have bestowed on me thru my children brought to my by your loving hand. so id do it over and over and over again

[MrsMoli]

I truly don't know. As of right now our FS may be moved because of relatives. He has been with us since day 1 and he is our first placement. This is hard. We have completely fallen in love with this child and I don't know how you can't. Especially at that age.

But this is the only way we can afford to have children so I suppose that we will continue to deal with heartache.

But these past four months have been the happiest that I have ever been.

[athikers]

yes, I would... for two very cute little reasons (and 10 other little reasons that came with much hard work, heart ache and broken dreams, but I still believe they were each placed in my home for as long as they were because they were meant to be here for just that long).

However, I wish that agencies/counties would TRULY prepare you instead of giving you a "rose-colored" version of what the journey (read-rollercoaster) will be like.

[kxl164]

Yes. Having gone through this makes us see how important it is to continue. These children need (and deserve) safe, stable adults to take care of them and give them an opportunity to heal. Not enough people are willing to do it; so, even though it is hard, a little hardship on me can mean a new life for a child and that is not only worth it, but to do anything else would be unthinkable.

[ranoutofnames]

I would still want to be a foster parent... I have two beautiful daughters as a result.

I would change some things and there are definitely some kids I would have NEVER had placed with me.

[msgypsylee]

I would. I feel like this is my way of giving back to the community. Even if this is emotionally difficult for me at times, I feel like I am making a positive impact on somebody's life. Man it can be rough some days though,

[stevenstwin]

I might consider it in a few years when the girls are gone, or at least my oldest. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be on her. If I do foster, I'd like to foster teens, but I've been enlightened to how hard that road is. But I see a real need...almost everyone wants or is willing to take cute little babies and young children, but there are far fewer who really want and understand teens (hats off to Sissy, ranoutofnames, Mike, Indy...and whomever else I've missed :-)

[Robbin]

Absolutely! The ups and downs, the good and bad, the poop and puke, the hugs and kisses, the "I hate you" and the "I love you". I would do it all over again (and am as our homestudy is being prepared by a new agency).

[afamilythroughfoster]

We became foster parents to adopt. Which we did But we stayed foster parents b/c we love it so much! To be with these children during the most difficult time of their little lives is a gift.

I have learned that the system is the most aggravating, agitating, frustrating govt dept I have ever worked with. Just like the saying, "you don't just marry your spouse, you marry his family" So it is with fostering...you don't just let a child into your home, you invited a gov't agency with it's "big brother" policies into your home. That has ramifications that the uninitated can't appreciate until they've experienced it. Ranting about it doesn't change a thing so learning how to work within that system is paramount to successful fostering. And I think once I made peace with that, our fostering experience changed for the better.

I have learned things about myself and other people that I would have never learned anywhere else.

[blubutterflies03]

This is my 2nd time fostering...I did it 7 years ago and adopted my daughter. She was very difficult, and still is, but I chose to foster again. Right now I am VERY aggravated about some things with fostering, but not because of the kids, but because of the system. My life is not boring, I feel very fulfilled as a mom, and I know I am doing something incredible!!

[greenrobin]

Let's see......I had four kids who could give Darth Vader a run for his money, lost one and nearly got her back only to lose her again before they brought her home, had 4 absolute beauties who were awesome and 2 who may well be mine forever..............

It's a no brainer.

Yes.

I hurt, I cry, I have kids to love. God is good.

[ca-bigsister]

I would not do it again. I love my daughter but if I knew how hard attachment would be, I would not do it again. So often I just feel like an unpaid babysitter who actually pays to do the work.