Fostering in Georgia?

Question

I was thinking about becoming a Foster for Georgia - if any one has been through this can you tell me what is involved?

Answer 1

First of all dont listen to what the person said before me. My parents fosterd us and we had a great time. It all depends on the person. My brother and I were older children and they had time for us. They let us do sports in school and they let us have fun. We were not problem kids.  I know that there are some kids that are bad but in the long run not all of the foster kids are. You have to have the time to show them that you do love them and that you want them there. Look in to and find someone near you that has fosterd. NOT ALL IS LIKE THE PERSON ON HERE HAS SAID!!!!

Answer 2

Its a lot of hard work you have to be really good with ids and make sure you have atleast two other people who can help you for example if something goes wrong you need someone close who you can call and have them come over fast! its almost like having your own kids take all the precautions except the kids will feel less loved, you have to give them a lot of love but at the same time be willing to let them go and find them homes. You will fall in love with some of them so are you willing to adopt? be ready for every little thing they will become your reponsiblity and you cant just dump them "again".

good luck

Answer 3

First of all you need to contact the DFCS office in the county you live in.  If you live in DeKalb or Fulton pack a lunch you'll be there all day :)  You need to speak with the RD social worker (RD=resource development) that person is responsible for getting you certified and getting you through IMPACT classes.  The RD person you speak with may or may not be the person who does everything for you.  Every county is different.  Some county's like DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale have several RD workers so the duties are divided up the person who teaches the classes may be different from the person who comes to your house who may be different from the person who completes the necessary paperwork.  Other counties like Forsyth, Bibb, Dawson and Clarke only have one RD worker and that person does everything.  Bottom line: get everyone's name and number you talk to and find out what their job is in helping you become a foster parent.

Also expect an RD worker to come to your house to evaluate it.  Tip: a have list of your monthly expenses already prepared, include utilities, medical, gas (for home and car), phone, insurance (all kinds and if you have health insurance through work just let them know it's through work and who it covers) etc.  If you have animals have a statement form the Vet stating they've had their shots and every adult in the home needs a medical statement stating they are healthy enough to care for children.  Also, every adult in the home needs to be present when the worker arrives.  These evaluations can take a long time try to schedule it for the morning if possible.

If an emergency arises your family cannot care for your foster children it has to be another foster family (this is called Respite care in Ga).  When and if an emergency arises call the CHILD'S PLACEMENT WORKER.  Call the RD worker too just to make sure you get Respite care in time.

Of course you get a per diem, mileage and if you work the state will pay for daycare.  You can also go out of town just let DFCS know so that you can get Respite care for the foster children.

Also Georgia has a foster parent bill of rights look in up also visit www.dhr.state.ga.us for more information.

Hope this helps.

One more thing:  If you live in a county near a Marta line ask if the state will reinburse?  They reinburse us when we have training in anohter county.  Try it...it can't hurt.