[Bassette]

I was wondering if someone who has fostered can give me a brief outline, with timeline, of the process. I know training is involved (thank goodness) but was wondering how much time is invested before being certified as a foster home. Also, are there any fees involved such as homestudy etc.?

Both Dh and myself are CC but our two children are not, one AA/CC and the other hispanic. Is it allowed that a CC couple foster outside of their race in Kentucky? We think it would be in our childrens best interest to foster a minority child. Are hispanic children ever in need of foster homes. I speak conversational spanish and our 2 year old is hispanic. It may be a comfortable home for a spanish speaking child or even an english speaking hispanic child. They would have someone in our home like them.

Our daughter will be graduating this year and won't be around much longer (college). However an AA or biracial child would also have someone to relate to long distance.

I'm just trying to grasp where, in the system, we would best fill a need. My limited understanding of the foster care programs leaves me thinking that minority children are harder to place (not enough families available?) and I think we could fill that need, if in fact it is actually a need.

I would be absolutely, positively interested in foster to adopt, however at this time I'm just trying to gather info. Any advice or shared experiences are VERY MUCH appreciated.

[Ashbre]

I'm in the process now to become a foster parent and I can only answer some of your questions.

First, I was told that it would take 4-6 months to become certified as a foster parent. There are 9 classes to take which we started in August and finish next Thursday. They offer classes on different days/times so you can pick the one that works best for you. I believe, here, they even have two classes a day on Saturday so you finish them even quicker. Alot of the time taken will depend on how quickly you turn in your paperwork.

Second, we have had no out-of-pocket expenses yet but do expect to have to get some new/more beds as well as some toys etc to have around the house as needed.

As far as minorities being harder to place, that I can't really answer.

You could always sit in on an informational meeting just to get the gist of things before deciding if you want to do it or not also. And I believe they even have people go through the classes who end up deciding not to do it after all.

Whatever you have to offer, I know there are kids out there who need it having been a foster kid myself.

Best wishes,

Donna