Foster Care Support Group
Foster care is a system by which a certified, stand-in parent(s) cares for minor children or young peoples who have been removed from their birth parents or other custodial adults by state authority. Responsibility for the young person is assumed by the relevant governmental authority and a placement with another family found.
Hello all. I am new to the group. I am writing becuase I have always grown up wanting to foster kids and help them grow and develop. I want to work with kids regardless as I am in school to do so now. I am in my final year in fact and I am working with kids with behavioral issues. I have grown a little too attached to one of the girls at my internship who is in foster care. My set up after graduation should be very nice and I am really looking forward to it. But I cant help but want to give this girl a new life.
My issues:
1.)I am only 22- no kids and dont want to screw up a kid
2.)I would have to get my boyfriend on board(thats gonna be a hard one)
3.) ITS OUT OF STATE
4.)I dont want to make the mistake of thinking with my heart and leaving my mind behind
5.)I can sometimes move to fast for my own good... basically number 4.
So I guess my real question for the day is how do I know if I am making the right decision for all parties involved and not just getting over my head?
Thank =s in advance for the advice.
First your never to young to give a home to someone in need. So let's throw that one out.
Second, yes your boyfriend needs to be on board. Fostering is not something you should do lightly, but it's worth it. That being said you do need to look at the boyfriend relationship. If he is not going to support you, then do you leave him or do you leave fostering? That can be a tough one to answer.
Third, Well yep, that's gonna suck. No two ways about it. There is what they call an interstate compact for placement or children or ICPC (I think) but it adds a layer of complications
Fourth, that's never a mistake. Just be honest with your self, and your agency and it will all work out.
Fifth, No risk of that with interstate foster care. The background checks alone take 45 days or longer. There training and home studies as well. Not to mention a whole host of other things. You will have plenty of time to second guess your self.
To answer your question, go to the classes. Start the process, you will soon have your answer.
A few notes though. You want to give this girl a new life, that doesn't happen. You become part of her life, and you accept her life into yours. All the "crap" she has dealt with won't melt away because of a nice house. You will be an addition to her life, not a replacement or an upgrade. Also, keep in mind as a foster parent you still have to deal with her bio-parents. Different states have different rules but where I am were expected to both care for the children and mentor their parents. We have to accept the children and their families into our lives and homes.