What is the process to put a child in foster care?
Well it depends on if you go through DHS or if you go through an adoption agencies. Either or way the process is long and painful for both the biological parents and the child or children. The process of either or decision could take up to six months to multiple years.For an example I started to go through an adoption agency but then I found out they lied to me the hole time. But two days after I had my youngest the family that has my third (Tyler) child found me and told me. That they were more than willing to adopt my youngest (Miracle ) so she can be with a sibling. The process of them to fully adopt her was a little over six months.
What foster child will forever remain in your heart?
Samantha Jean. Her mom, Joyce, and I were friends, she had a problem with alcohol. When Samantha was 4, I became her legal guardian and foster parent.Samantha's paternal grandparents and Joyce were important parts of our created family.Samantha was 11 years younger than my birth daughter, she loved being the little sister to her and the other foster kids. She was 8 when she became my only child.We had lots of fun, her mom stayed with us occasionally. When Sammy was 15, she called her grandparents’ on Thanksgiving and her father answered the phone. She was so excited as she had never spoken to him before.He told her there was no chance for a relationship. She was devastated. Then just after Christmas, her mom needed a place to stay and I invited her to live with us. She declined, saying she thought she needed to live alone. Again, Samantha was devastated.The following weeks were awful for everyone. She became defiant and angry.The event that broke my heart was when she hit me in the face and damaged my eye. My husband called the police and she was arrested for assault. This was two days before her 16th birthday. She spent it in jail.The court forced her mom to step up and become her guardian.Samantha is now 28 and while I get to see pictures of her and my granddaughter on Facebook through one of my daughters’ account, I have not spoken to her since I ran into her a few weeks after she was arrested.
My 14 year old daughter wants to go into foster care?
I have a 14 yo daughter that keeps saying she wants to go into foster care, and that foster care would be better than 'this'. I'm not sure what she means by 'this'. In the last couple years a lot of things have changed... mostly money wise. I lost my job which paid decent money, and struggled to find a new one. I used to be able to buy her some name brand clothing although that is not where I shopped exclusively for her. I also shopped at target and kohls for things for her. That is no longer possible. I used to be able to pay for any extra curricular she was interested in, I used to have money for her to do anything she wanted with her friends. That is no longer possible. I am by no means neglecting her though! She has plenty of clothing, there is always food in the frig/pantry, I have been able to keep the house, although I have had to drop the cell phone plans and cable TV to be able to keep up the payments. She has everything she *needs*, I just can't buy her everything she wants lately. I also certainly don't abuse her! I have *never* hit her or said anything I regret saying and that I feel would hurt her self esteem. I try to keep my worry and anxiety over finances to myself. In the past when I have had boyfriends, I have waited more than 6 months into the relationship to introduce them to her, so it's not like there is or ever has been a revolving door of 'uncles' for her. Further more, unlike quite a few of the parents with teens that I know, I make sure we eat dinner together at the table, and I *try* to talk to her about her day.. not like I get a response of more than a word or two though. I don't let her run wild. I know who her friends are and where she is going and what she does online etc. So I really don't understand why she wants to go into foster care! How can I set her straight that foster care isn't for her? Honestly, a part of me wants to PUT HER THERE just to give her a wake up call / attitude adjustment. I honestly didn't think I raised a spoilt brat, but it is starting to look like I did after all.
Respite care for Foster parents....?
Hi, My husband and I are in the process of becoming foster parents, and in the meanwhile, I have decided to provide respite care for foster parents. This is a service that is also in high demand within our community. Does anyone have any experience doing this sort of thing? Did you find that the children feel comfortable in your home for the few days they are there? Or have you had any bad experiences. I am just looking for some input, as I have already decided that this is what we will be doing in the near future, any information if greatly appreciated. Thanks so much...