Questions about foster care and..?

Question

My boyfriend and i have been living together for nearly 4 years. I haven't been on birth control, but we haven't exactly been trying to have kids, but we haven't been doing anything to prevent it either, I've asked him before if he wants kids but hes always said yes, but not yet, or if it happens than it happens type thing. I think my boyfriend is starting to think we might no be able to have kids. He drives a truck for a living so he listens to the radio alot lately. and when he comes home at night lately hes been telling me about commercials about foster care, and adoption, and that theres alot of kids here in Oklahoma. I think its great that hes open to that idea. I don't think we need to rule out the idea of having our own kids, but i do like the idea of doing foster care. we just got our own home, and its 3 bedrooms with a huge backyard, and I'm home most of the day, so i think we could easily take on a foster child. But i had some questions..

Answer 1

Fantastic!

Check with your local child services program.  There are likely state run and private foster care programs in your area.  Ask lots of questions and prepared to answer just as many questions.

I believe that single people are able to be foster parents in most places but every program has its own rules.

My husband and I are foster parents to a wonderful teenage girl.  We think of her as our middle child and want to adopt her.  That has been difficult we learned but as far as I'm concerned, she is now our daughter.

Just be clear that you want to do it to nurture a child not for the money; the money barely covers the expenses involved.

Answer 2

every state is different so put foster care and your state in your search engine and get the right facts

Answer 3

each state has different rules for foster parenting. In my state, no single parents can be foster parents (even though you are living together)..They do usually take income and size of house into consideration. In our state, each child MUST have his own room, you must have a fenced in back yard and each child must have his own set of toys, etc. They are very strict here.. In most states, you must go thru a rigorous training routine and background check, criminal check, etc. Most children who need foster care are unfortunately older kids and special needs kids (ADHD, retarded kids, behavioral problems, etc).. Most of the babies that need foster care are sent to foster care parents that have been foster parents for years. Your best bet would be to check with Child services.. they should have a list of what MUST be done/requirements for foster parents and they can tell you more.. GL