I want to be a Foster Mom?

Question

I really want to be a foster mom, i can't seem to get pregnant on my own and i LOVE kids. I work in a daycare but anyway. I want to foster but i don't know if i would get approved.

What areas do case workers look at.

What kind of things would cause me to not get approved.

MY mom has a dwi charge and aggravated assault charge against her. that was like years ago but could it play a big factor in the final decision?

Lets just say i didn't have the best childhood. All i want to do is give a child a good and happy home.

Answer 1

Hi,

I kind of work in the field, but I don't know much about foster parents. We actually have the kids BEFORE they get placed with foster parents.

I think it's a great idea that you want to be a foster parent, and perhaps you could potentially adopt through the process and become a permanent home to a lost child. Adoption itself is so expensive... this is a good alternative, IF you can handle the children *leaving* as well.

I personally think this would be the difficult area of foster parenting. You will get attached to some of the kids.. and then when you know how much their home life sucks (the reason they were pulled from their home in the first place), and you have to send them back home, that would be hard.

Also, these kids are considered high-risk kids. Depending on the population that you decide to "accept", you might be dealt a difficult hand. Because, some deal with rapes- and reoccuring nightmares.. some kids deal with drug abuse- withdrawls and relapse.

I honestly think that you could go in, and talk to a caseworker, and tell them that you don't want your mothers past to reflect on your ability to be a good foster parent.

Things that I think they look at include:

-if you're married

-if you have a stable home

-if you own or rent your home

-the surroundings of your neighborhood

-if you smoke, drink, or do drugs

-your availability

-your common sense / education

-your other job (that might conflict)

-your background check (your prior convictions)

-your husbands background check

-your driving record (you'll be driving w/the child)

-first aid/CPR certified

A major factor in what they decide to look at depends on what age you want to take in to your home, and what gender. Some take only babies, some take only teen boys, some take only young girls.. it all depends on what criteria meets what age group you want.

sorry to hear you can't have kids..  call the state and meet with a caseworker about foster parenting, that would be your first step. Good luck~