[missyfan]

We are waiting to be the chosen family for a child in foster care. Our agency asked us if we would be interested in being a respite care provider. We would be glad to, but would like to hear from someone who is doing it right now while they are waiting to adopt. We would like to know the pro's and con's as well as get advice on what to expect.

Thanks!

Missyfan
Bmom to Courtney 4
Soon to be mom again to 1 or 2 through the blessing of adoption

[LisaCA]

check with ali143- I think she's doing respite care now.

good luck!

LisaCA

[ALI143]

I am. I only take 2 week and under placements because my worker says it may work againist us if I have a little one in my home that will be leaving after the new one comes in. He just doesn't think committee will like the new child transitioning while another child is leaving. It's been great! So far I only take my respite placements from foster parents (especially in summer when everyone wants to go out of state/country for vacation and caseworkers can't release the foster child to go too.) I do 3 and under so mine are the older ones in the house and help put the new one at ease.
I've been offered year long placements with an opportunity to adopt if they become available, but there's always a grandparent, aunt or friend that will be also be trying to adopt but haven't started a homestudy so decline because we're hoping to adopt a legally free child.
The pro's are: it's like babysitting. You don't have to fret about things as much as fmom does (don't they work so hard!) You can spoil them a little more, they don't go through grieving (if it's short term) but can get a little home sick. The con's: It's entirely possible to become completely fond of a little one in a couple weeks time. Our last pacement went back to ffamily 3 weeks ago and every single one of us still mention him a little bit. Sometimes a month becomes a year (if placed by the worker before they have a foster family), because they are generally placed quicklly sometimes there isn't a lot of "matching" of the family, BUT if a little on becomes available for adoption you have the advantage that they've already gotten to know you. Have I answered your question? I'm glad to explain more.