[simplemom]

I am wondering if any of you take "time off" between placements. We are in a permanency planning program and our only two placements have both RUed. Our social worker wants to give us time to grieve before placing another child, so last time we waited a month before telling her we were ready. We didn't receive another placement for 4 more months. Our second FD returned to relative care this past week and once again our social worker asked how much time we need. Do any of you take "time off" between placements? We are grieving, but also want to get back in line for future placements since it can take months. Just curious about how the rest of you handle this...

[snc2007]

We've always liked to take a few months off in between. Our coordinator will still call us if she thinks something is a great fit even though we aren't on the "active" list.
If I knew it could be many months to get a call, I would get back on the list and just say no if I got a call when I wasn't ready yet.

[joyfulmother]

We don't take too much time here. Only about a month. Part of our healing is to look to our next placement and begin again. It took almost a year between our last two long term placements. It is nice to have a little time off to spend some time alone together and with our gc. it is great not to have visits for a while too.

[greenrobin]

When Queenie left we took off 3 months. Then when the Fab 4 left, we didn't ask for any time at all, just wanted to jump right back in. Two weeks after they left Bubba and Flowergirl came. Right now we're inactive until January to give them a little time to settle into life as our kids forever. Otherwise, I'd still be waiting for a placement!

I feel like it's a case by case thing. Sometimes you need time, sometimes you need another kiddo.

[Sunshine4me]

My FFD was RU after 6 months in our home. She was our first placement and it was very upsetting to see her go because we love her and her situation w/birthmom is questionable. We took in a newborn one week later and it has worked out really well. My husband and I like having a baby to love and she keeps us busy. I just really enjoy having a child to care for and in a way it has helped me heal and not be completely depressed about FFD.

[CaddoRose]

We were taking about a month off, but two weeks in, our CW called with a toddler and told me, "I know you're taking time off, but you really need to take this little girl". I said yes, and within 2 months bioMom had signed her over to us and now she's ours. Our CW really knows us and she was right to call. We're thankful. Just let your CW know that if a situation comes along that seems right for you to at least give you a call about it.

[dachshunds4you]

We haven't taken time off. As you said, it takes a while to get placements, so I'd rather stay on the list for the chance we may get a placement sooner.

It has always helped us to jump right back in and keep busy.

[Mallynn]

I was wondering the same thing, thanks for asking this question!

[c.a]

Originally Posted by greenrobin

I feel like it's a case by case thing. Sometimes you need time, sometimes you need another kiddo.

Perfectly said.

[LLLmom]

We took a week off after losing our first fs. I called the placement worker and told her that we were ready to take placements again. A few hours later, we got our foster sons we currently have - that I feel we may end up adopting.

[7brats]

I didn't take any time off,but I am currently just past 7 months since my last placement left. Just waiting to hear that I am needed again.

I contact my worker frequently and was told last month they only got 3 referrals all out of my age range.