Foster parents... what are the good and bad aspects of what you do?

Question

My husband and I have been considering this for some time... also considering adoption. We have one son and we're trying for our second. We have always wanted a large family, and we really want to incorporate children into our family who are in need of love.

We're just getting started... advice, thoughts, etc?

Thanks!

Answer 1

As a foster parent, you are at least temporarily helping a child, or children, have a "time-out" from an otherwise stressful period in their families life.  This gives their family a chance to get their lives together and possibly prevent permanent injury, physically, mentally or both, including death.  You are not necessarily going to be appreciated by the children nor their family, although we have been thanked later, because at the time, you are part of the "System" that they see that is "breaking up their family".  It can be very heart breaking, after spending many days treating a or many child(ren) as your own, and then have them returned to a situation you may feel that has not improved enough to your satisfaction, for the best interests of the child. However, it can be very rewarding when you see the child mature and become better able to handle themselves.  

Be prepared for people questioning your sanity.  We do need many more that are willing to accept this position in society, so please think of all the possible negatives and positives then go with your heart, I think you will join us.

Answer 2

Hello, my name is Cheryl and my husband and I are foster/adoptive parents. We have been doing foster care for a little over 6 years. We have adopted 3, soon to be 4 beautiful children from foster care. I do know that the rules are different from state to state and even from country to country. We live in Kansas. It is a trying experience, but with God's support it can be done. We have had some difficult situations and of course some really rewarding ones, but through it all you must always consult God's help. It is wonderful how amazing it feels when you actually experience the miracle of parenthood. It is a bumpy road but then again that's what parenting is all about. I wish I could answer some specific questions but that would be hard.

Blessings on your jouney and it does help to find someone that you can talk to about your feelings and it is best if it is someone who has been where you are about to go.

Cheryl

Answer 3

Before you decide to become foster parents there are many things you need to know about.  You need to educate yourselves on the storms that will come your way as a result of fostering in today's foster care system, it has changed since the episodes of "Little House on The Prairie" that we all know and loved.  It is not as simple as that anymore.  There dangers at every turn that you need to be aware of.  I invite you to join our group at Yahoogroups.com to learn more about it BEFORE you take the plunge, fosterparentallegations is my group, or write to me at my private email address, [e-mail] and I would be happy to answer all of your questions. We also have free CD trainings available to you.  Call our National toll free number 1-877-FPA-CHILD (372-2445).  Marilyn Harrison National Administrator for Foster Parents Legal Solutions