Foster parenting questions?

Question

I'm interested in doing some foster parenting in the future, but in the meantime I'd like to get a better understanding of how it works. Can anyone tell me when and why a foster child switches homes before they're adopted? (Is there a set amount of time they stay at a home, or do the foster parents make that call?)

Also, how should I prepare to be a foster parent? And what is the limit of how many foster kids can be in one home at once? (just curious) Thanks ^_^

Answer 1

you can prepare by gathering information on the how to's, requirements, common problems like reactive attachment disorders, and foster parenting classes offered by your state.

you can find more info on the following websites:

http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/CA/fosterparents...

http://www.larimer.org/fostercare/foster...

And way to go! I'm so proud of you! there are tons of kids that need good foster parents and role models... you are about to make a significant difference in children's lives!!!

Answer 2

This is loaded question.  First off the limit is how many you can handle.  Rules vary by state I will give you what my rules are they are all similar.  Each child must have their own bed not a cot, daybed, sofa bed etc a bed.  They can share rooms but with in reason. They can not be in a basement unless there is a door or a converted attic.  Foster parents can't give up their room and sleep in the living room or the basement so foster kid can have a room.  You must have enough to raise them because they reimburse you not pay you.  So you have to have the money to pay for razing the kids up front.  FYI what they give you is no where close to cover what will pay if you are raising them properly.

As for how long they stay varies.  You can select age group and s*x you want so technically if they get out of the age group you can ask for them to move. Also these kids have been abused and many act out and if you have other kids and or bio kids you may ask for them to move because they are violent etc. They may do better in a group home or a home where they are the only child.  Also many foster kids test you. The act out to see if you will move them.  

Foster  care is supposed to be temporary  parents are given a chance to clean up, go to parenting classes, get a job etc so they may go home.  If they go for permanent placement and they are older they may NEVER get adopted.  People want babies and toddlers. Teens almost 8 times out of 10 age out.  (At 18 or 19 if your are still in high school you get kicked out of foster care. You are an adult and the state is no longer responsible for you. )  

Many years ago it was thought it was best for foster kids not to form attachments because it would hurt to bad if they did age out.  So every two to three years you were moved. That is no longer the case in my state. They encourage people to give children permanancy and keep them past your requested age group and they don't move them automatically anymore (again in my state)