How is it considered for the single male?

Question

I am interested in doing more research into the foster care, the adoption process, and general volunteer work in this area. Is there a stigma to being a single man when it comes to foster care and adoption? Although I am not currently ready to make such a huge step into this world, I would like to put myself out there and understand what it takes to make such a transition.

Answer 1

There are far more men doing it today...and it isn't so taboo. You will have a background check and a thorough homestudy and references. I think it will be fine. I would suggest, before you jump in full steam, to try out emergency foster care. It is a desperately needed service and isn't necessarily a long term commitment. Unlike adopting...if you can't handle it, you can simply wait for the child in your care to be placed somewhere more permenant and then request to make changes--either to long term foster care, adoption, or simply stop it all together. Emergency placements can sometimes last up to a few months, but generally last for a week or so....until the child is placed somewhere more permenent. It would require you to open your home possibly at odd hours of the day and night, and may put you in contact with children who have been injured--both physically and/or emotionally...but, again, emergency foster care is always in need of good temporary parents.

There are plenty of people in this forum who can give you lots of resources for what to read/watch in the mean time....my list would be paltry in comparision, so I will leave that up to them. Take care!

EDIT: You simply contact social services--DSS or Child Protection services in your area. They will tell you what you need to do from there...as it varies by state.

Answer 2

public social services is the best to place to foster from and usually keep the children with the fewest issues...

I really have only heard of single dads, everywhere but California, getting 10 year olds and up and usually just boys....

If you want to foster severely emotionally disturbed children, there are probably theraputic foster care agencies in your area

http://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/

is where you can search for agencies in your area, the directory is pretty up to date.

Answer 3

You have great possibilities!  I was watching the discovery channel about a g*y couple that adopted a couple hard to place children. The love I saw was amazing!  I am not saying that you are g*y, just was impressed at the love and patience these guys displayed.  those kids were abused by the bio parents and the  kids didn't see a gender preference, but sheer trust and it was so touching.  Be prepared to go through psychological testing and questioning.  there is good reason because they have good reason to question your intentions.  Helping an abused male child with the help of the government you work with can help.  If you stray from social services they have reason to suspect you.