[sandysis]

Does anyone have experience with this? I would love to hear some stories as I'm considering this. Have you found the kids have longer/shorter stays? Is reunification possible in these situations? Thanks for any ideas. ps. I'm looking into foster only, not adoption.

sandysis

[JJemail1]

We're a SHSP but only for the sole purpose of keeping our daughter (who we fostered for 18 months before adopting) and possibly to adopt again. We both work fulltime so it is extremely difficult to facilitate round the clock care without one of us taking leave (which we essentially did/will do for adoptive placements).

Like normal foster care, it's impossible to say how long a medically fragile child will stay as it is dependent on the biological parents' progress. Clearly, with medically fragile children there is an extra element: parents not only have to remedy whatever circumstance resulted in the removal of their child, they also have to be trained and show ability to support their child's special needs. Nonetheless, reunification is as possible as with non-special needs foster children. (Although, out of the few SHSP cases I know of, all of the children went up for adoption.)

Here's general information to know about SHSP requirements:

*Foster parent(s) must be certified in CPR (infant and/or child depending on the child's age)

*Foster parent can not work outside of the home for more than 10 hours per week

*"Alternate care" is allowed for 10 hours per week by a licensed , CPR certified facility (or background check in lieu of a license for individual caregivers).

*Foster parent must facilitate all transportation (Dr.'s visits, evaluations, parental visitation) as the child must always be in the presence of a CPR certified individual

*Foster parent must keep daily health logs and facilitate quarterly reviews with nurse practitioners

I hope this helps,
Jennifer

[JJemail1]

Oops--one more: Foster parents must complete a 3-day (24 hours) training course for SHSP licensing.

[JJemail1]

I'm sorry, SHSP certification (not licensing--that's separate).

[sandysis]

Very helpful stuff. Thanks.

sandysis