I want to be a foster parent when I come of age. PLEASE ANSWER.?

Question

If you want to complaiment please do so after you answer at least one of the questions.

I want to become a foster parent after I finish college, which will be around 22-23. I want to live in New York. I want to adopt a caucassian or africa- american girl. The reason I say that is because i don't want to ex. adopt a chinese girl, and don't know chinese and now she can't learn her native lanuage. I already know that you have to have good back ground, be able to prove that you can support the child and your self. I don't plan on having a spouse, because i don't want to depend on no man to take care of me nor my child.

How old do you have to be to adopt? Do you have to have a spouse? What time of income do you have to be making in a year?

Answer 1

This is a really admirable, selfless goal. Changing the life of a child is the most important thing we can do. Just a couple of points, though. When you become a foster parent, there's no guarantee that you can adopt that child until the parental rights are terminated. Foster parents generally care for children who have been removed from their biological parents for a variety of reasons...all bad. These children have been abused (in every conceivable way), neglected, exposed to drugs or crime, malnourished, and any number of terrible things that can happen to children. The foster parents must, in many states, sign up to help facilitate reuniting the child with biological parents. Some states given bio parents chance after chance after chance to get  their life straigtened out and get their kids back. This means that you can lose a child that you've cared for and loved, even if you've had them for years and years. The only foster child you can adopt has had their bilogical parents' rights terminated; otherwise, you're the temporary parent. This is a very, very difficult, emotional roller coaster. Also, you can request to foster parent specific gender, ages, and/or races, but, again in some states, there's no guarantee that you'll get a child that fits you're criteria. If you're able to say "no" to desperately needy children that Social Services brings you in the middle of the night because their parents were just arrested in a drug raid and they can't find any relatives, then you may be able to get the child you're hoping for. You don't need a spouse for this, and the income requirements to be a foster parent are quite modest, as states pay a stipend for your foster parenting expenses. Once you adopt, however, that money goes away, and you have to afford to raise a child.

You're priorities are great -- go to college, get a decent paying job, get established, and then start looking into this. It requires a mature woman who can make good financial and emotional decisions to be a foster Mom. Good luck!

Answer 2

sounds great .

Answer 3

In Ga. you have to be over 18, I think that it is wonderful that you want to adopt. I was adopted when I was 10, and I was not, I don't know where I would be.

Answer 4

I think your intentions are good.I believe you can adopt when you are considered legally to be an adult. I think you have some unreasonable expectations,such as saying you want to live in New York,as a single parent supporting yourself and a child on one income.New York is a very expensive place to live. I will not say you cannot do it,because I believe with determanation,you can do anything. You need a good game plan,for starters,and a clear understanding of the obstacles you may face,as well as how you are going to overcome them.Yahoo has groups for single parents,you maty want to join one or two.

Choosing a profession for money,is not the best of ideas.You will have the money,but be miserable doing something,you do not really like.Photography, is not a high paying profession, and that is not something you get a college degree in anyway. You need to see a counselor at school,to help you figure out a career choice,that is right for you.

Answer 5

Your question is a bit muddled/  What do you call "coming of age"?    Fostering is challenging in many ways.  You grow to love the children and the challenge is letting them go back to their "parents", even if they don't want to go and even if you think the "parent" should not get them back.

As for adoption.  It is a wonderful idea, if you can love a child even though they may have problems.  Usually these days the child would not be a new born but say, four and up.  If this does happen, look into the background of their last four or so years to make sure that they have not come out of that period with serious problems because they really were not loved.   It takes years to get a child from abroad and a lot of money.   Single parents can adopt but they have to qualify re where they live and if they have enough money to support two people.  Plus it is an advantage to have your family   behind you if you would need their help.  They will ask about extended family and they will check your home.   It is all very worth while.  Language is no barrier to fostering an asian child or any other child.   Love is what overcomes any barrier and if a child knows they you are loving them, everything else can be overcome.   Good luck/

Answer 6

Usually you have to be 21. Also, you should be making at least $20,000. That is in most states. You definitely do not need a husband. I would really research before doing it. International and Private adoption is crazy expensive. If you go through the foster care system, you usually have to be about 17 years older than the child.

Answer 7

if you are set on adoption, i wouldnt go through the foster care system.  there have been many cases where children live with their foster parents for years and then a family member pops up out of nowhere and wants costudy of the child.  also, the foster care system works to get the children back to their family.  this doesnt always happen, but it is always a possibility.  if i were you, i would go overseas and adopt.  if you dont want to go to china thats fine, and there are tons of other places to go.  the ukraine, for example, has many children of all ages up for adoption.

Answer 8

In TX you must be 21 to be a foster parent or adopt.  I'm not sure what type of income you need but its not a whole lot.  (You get financial help as a foster parent.) No, you definitely do not need to be married... in fact, most foster parents are single.

Also, if the child were chinese they would probably speak English, just letting you know...

KUDOS to you!!!!! :)