[Kalanate]

My husband is a teacher, one of his former student's mother was sentenced to many years in a federal prision. This is not the first time. This child lived with a realtive(non-custodial) the time before and ran away due to exenuating circumstances. She was then placed in foster care and was "mistreated". She is again being sent to the same relative and has confided that she might try to run. We really want to help and would love the opportunity to bring this great child into our home and expand our family to three (no matter how temporary). We are not liscensed foster parents, but had considered it many times before. Because this child holds such a special place in our hearts, is there anything we can do to help? What do we if she does run and contacts us for help? I don't want to see her slip through any cracks that might be waiting. Her father lives out-of-state, he does not have custody and there is a history of abuse but it went unreported. Can anyone help us help her, please!!!

[lucyjoy]

If you have concerns that the child will run, hurt herself, or is unsafe in her placement, notify social services and express your concerns. They can investigate your concerns, they may have information that you are unaware of and be more equipped to assist her.

[jenatmcds]

I am aware of a similar situation here in GA where the parents of a friend were allowed to take a teenager on a contingency basis. It was called "special foster care". The foster parents do not receive any per diem and had to complete physicals & background checks before the child came into their home. Further, they had to agree to complete MAPP training the next time it was offered in their county. They are not regular "foster parents" as they are only willing to take this child, so they still do not receive any per diem; however, I believe that the child does still have Medicaid.

If you are interested in caring for this child, let her social worker know as soon as possible. Tell him/her your concerns for the child's welfare and that you would be willing to take her into your home if there is a "special circumstances" clause.

Good luck!
Jen

[dflint]

You can definitely take her into your home as non relative and non liscensed foster parent, we did it and then got liscensed. It worked for us, we are in AZ.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Dawn Flint