How can I convince a foster care agency that i'm capable of taking care of kids.

Question

hi i'm 28 yrs.old I applied at a christian foster care agency this year. I always want too be a mom but with me having seizures in the past. I decided when I was 21 yrs. old too get my tubes tied. cause I didn't want a child growing inside of me have the seizure disorder that I had. My question is can a christian fostercare agencey turn me down all because I have a learning disability. And how can I prove too the agencey that i'm a responsible adult.

Answer 1

You must meet all the basic guidelines that any parent applying to adopt/foster must meet.  Whether you have a learning disability or not.  If you meet those requirements, then you will likely be approved.  If you do not meet these basic requirements, then you will not be approved.  Apparently you didn't, but it sounds like you don't know the specifcs.  Ask for specifics....Don't just assume that it was because of the learning issue.  Are you able to fully support yourself?  Are you employed or have a stable solid income? Do you require help from anyone to live day to day?  Do you have family support for this adoption plan? Are you able to access emergency and medical care for yourself and a child?  Do you have medical insurance?  Will the child?  Do you drive or have a form of reliable transportation?  Do you pay your bills on time and have enough for emergencies?  ETC.  ETC. ETC.  Again, you must ask for specifics.    

Answer 2

Actually, they can turn you down for a seizure disorder, because they could reason that having seizures puts children at risk if you had a seizure and could not care for them or had a seizure while driving, etc.  

A learning disability is a different thing.  It is not the same as a seizure disorder because the seizure disorder is a physical disorder.  Many, many people have learning disorders and even some are undiagnosed.  For example, many people are slightly dsylexic.  Learning disabilities will not prevent you from fostering children, UNLESS you can not read/sign the paperwork.

Seizure disorder is a different bird.  It is a physical reaction, which could place the child at risk.

However, if you can prove that you have had no seizures or only a few, you might be able to foster children.  But that would require doctors notes, etc.  In fact they might even ask the exact number of seizures you have had in the past couple of years.

The overall point is that having a seizure could put the child in danger.  That is what they are concerned about.  

Unfortunatley, it is not about proving if you are responsible.  Your body has a disorder that is out of your control.  They won't give children to people that could potentially put them in danger (or so they say)

Example:  I knew a foster mom who had her foster kids taken away when she was confined to a wheelchair.  The workers reasoned that she was not capable of watching them enough or getting to them if there was an emergency.  She was a GREAT foster mother and personally, I thought that was a load of c**p, but the workers did what they did.

Answer 3

they can't turn you down for a learning disability--you need to have a good, safe, stable place to live with a bed for each child you plan on taking....they will come to your house & evaluate your home and you...good luck!

Answer 4

They can essentially turn you down for any number of reasons, all of which are contained within their criteria for being a foster parent.  All I can suggest is to go through the process, lay your cards out on the table and hope for the best.  If they view that your seizure disorder and learning disability are not severe enough to preclude you from being a foster parent then you are in.  If for some reason they feel that it is not an appropriate fit for you at this time then inquire what other ways you could help.  They may accept you for respite care or in some other capacity where you can still contribute.  Good luck and God bless.

Answer 5

usually public agencies have the lowest standards... I mean no offense at all...

private agencies vary.. if I had gone to the last place I ever got a homestudy completed first, I would have never adopted...

I have 3 children I adopted and I foster parented for 5 years...

if one agency is causing problems or saying no, look at another agency...

Good Luck..