Good question. I have felt called to do foster care for teenagers my entire life. I strongly feel that this is something God has called me to do. If the right person comes around, we will adopt, but my husband and I are going into this planning on sticking to fostering. One reason for this is that I want to work mainly with teenagers (although we're going to be licensed for all school ages) and I know adoption isn't always practical for a 17 yr. old. The other reason is that if we adopt we can help fewer kids, but by fostering we can help many. Besides, most people that are fostered aren't up for adoption anyway. As I said, though, if the right person comes along, we aren't going to say no to adoption.

At the same time, the money is important. I don't expect to get rich by any means, but any time you bring somebody into your home that is not family, it is a job -- and very few people work for free. Besides this, I am not rich, and without the check this would not be possible for my family at this time.

I am astounded, however, at the financial incentives for adoption. As much as I think a paycheck is necessary for foster care (and think most states don't pay enough) the job stops at adoption. At that point, the child in care becomes family. And you should not be paid to take care of your own family.

So basically, I signed up for this, because I felt called to do it, but could not have followed that call without the paycheck.

Out of curiosity, what were the reasons your foster parents had?

My husband and I started doing foster care for multiple reasons. One is that we do love children very much. Another is that we have a home and lots of love to give to children and there are lots out there who need it. We also do feel called by GOD to do it. But at the end of the day I would have to say that the biggest reason is that no one should have to live the way some of the children we have come in contact with do. NO ONE, not an adult, not a child, NO ONE! We just want to give some one a better life,and a chance to heal, even if its only for a short time.Hope that helps answer your question.

"Called by God" seems to be a popular answer : ) I say that because I agree with you who have said that. Not everyone is able to do fostercare because of the physical, mental, emotional demand it has on us. You really need a calling to do it in my opinion! My family decided to do foster care because my husband has 3 older children from a previous marriage and I did not have any. I figured a good and productive way for me to feel like a "mom" would to do foster care. We would be interesting in adopting if we have the option and would continue on doing foster care (although mostly respet care) after that. I know that we are providing a happy, loving home to these children and that is what drives me to do foster care.

thanks for your reply to my post..i appreciate it!

"Not what we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver, is often bare."~James Russell Lowell

i started as result of an emergency situation.. she was going to be awarded to the state if i didn't. I am merely a person that stepped up to the plate when no one else would. I am not paid by the state or given support by the parents.. I am acting as her parent

I know all reasons are different. My husband and I are successful professionals with three biological children (18, 13, and 9), and very busy and fulfilling lives with work, family, friends, church, boy scouts, girl scouts, etc). We felt that we wanted to make a difference in the world. We felt a calling to try to reach out to foster to adopt and maybe make the world a better place. It was a conviction that we should take the step that we talked aobut for years and finally acted upon. Our foster children are 7 and 9, and have so many issues. They exhaust, exasperate, and delight us. But we are committed to being there for them,and always will be, and hope to adopt them.
The money we get helps us provide a lot of extras for them like private dental care, but I would not take this on for any amount of money, it is a grueling task.

Rachel! It’s Tyler please respond to me. I’m so sorry!
Ever since I met you I’ve been dealing with this pain, because you’re the only one who makes it all go away. I don’t know what’s happened to me, but you’re always in my dreams. I can’t do this anymore without you. I waited for you in Brooklyn the first time you were so nervous to see me! I flew all the way out from California to see you three times... what happened to you Rachel!?!? Please!! In this world you’re miles away, I waited for you!!! My heart waited for you for years..... explain to me PLEASE :,(
I think about you Rachel, every single night. I just hope you know!

I chose to become a foster parent because I experienced a very traumatic childhood. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, etc... I was helpless in the situation and too scared of cps due to fearing being punished physically if I told them the truth. I never got the help I needed I lived on my friend's porch for a whole summer when I was 16 because legally the police could not bring me back there. I showered in their hose and walked 4 miles to work and 4 miles back every day in order to make money to feed myself. I was stuck without help I didn't have anyone to advocate for me. I decided to use my pain and trauma to advocate for and help other children that are in similar situations as I was. I have also heard terrible stories of awful foster homes. I want to be the one foster home that a child comes to after being bounced around or given up on and show them they are safe and will not be abandoned here. I Give the children a positive environment to learn and grow. To give them relief, after all, they have been through. I became a foster parent to advocate for these children when no one else will listen or help them. Of course, the ultimate goal of foster care is for them to return to their parents. But until that happens I am here to advocate for the children, keep them safe and well taken care of, and give them a positive environment with positive relationships. When the children go home to their parents they remember the positive relationships and environment at my home and I am happy to know that they know their worth and what kind of relationships they deserve. I am hopeful that my difference in their life lowers the statistics for drugs, domestic violence, and other categories many of the foster children fall into due to their trauma.