[newatthisfl]

So after waiting for 6 months, I finally got my license last week. I thought that the waiting for the license was bad...but the waiting for my phone to ring is worse! I feel guilty *wanting* my phone to ring because I don't want any child to need foster care...but at the same time am anxious to love a child that could use some TLC.

Is there anyone else here in Central Fl? I am wondering how long I will be waiting for my first placement. Sometimes it feels like it will never happen (ok, a lot of times it has felt like that!). It feels like they have always said they are sooo desperate for foster parents...that to be honest I am surprised to not have been called even though it is a really short amount of time since I have been licensed!

Thanks for listening. I know you all know how I feel!

[saj]

I do know how you feel. Not from central Fl., but did do Foster care on the sun coast. It felt like forever, but once the phone started to ring, it did not stop. I had a couple of calls per week, even though I kept the two spots I was lisenced for full. Oh by the way,I adopted the first 2 placements I got. (8 week old baby girl and a 13 month old boy) It took 3 years for the adoption, but they were with me all that time. Hang in there and good luck. Your time will come.

[Sunshine4me]

When I became licensed I called Placement and introduced myself. I told them that I was excited to help a child in need and to please keep me in mind if they have to place a child. The woman I was speaking with said, "Well, I do have 2 children available, if you're interested". I was not interested in that particular situation because it was more like respite. When I turned it down I was so afraid that I ruined things for myself and the placement lady seemed a little put off. The very next day she called me about a newborn and I said yes! The baby was at my house 5 hours later! My advice is to give them a call!

[newatthisfl]

Thank you for the advice! Are you in Florida?

[Sunshine4me]

I am in Northeast Florida. I hear that DCF is not taking in as many children because of the Foster Redesign so that is why I felt it necessary to be "proactive". Also, there is a Halloween party on Friday for foster parents & children. The ladies from Placement will be there, so I look forward to introducting myself. Let us know how it goes.

[arbuckle17]

Not FL but I did talk to our sw about the wierdness behind our placement and emerency temp license. I wanted to know what sort of wait time there tends to be between placements, as the boys will probably RU in around 6 mo.

She said it depends on several factors, the keys tend to be how open your house is to different spans in age/special needs. People who only want infants have longer waits than those who are open to large age groups.

Additionally, now that she knows us personally she is less hesitant to call us in the middle of the night, or in case of an emergency. So getting your foot in the door and meeting some people never hurts.

[newatthisfl]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I actually did get a call today...for a sibling set of 2 and 4 year old little boys with significant needs. I feel horribly guilty for not taking them...but I know with my current situation/life that is more than I can bite off right now, but will be able to in the future. I guess the good news is that I know my phone will ring eventually with the right fit. The CW did offer me one of the boys...but I told her to call me back only if she couldnt find placement for the 2 children together.