I want to become a foster parent/mommy/family!

Brenda - posted on 09/11/2012

Where are you from. Each state has a different process

Bonita - posted on 09/06/2012

Hi Sarah, It is wonderful that you are in college. Have you ever been in foster care? Most kids age out by 18. If they have no family then they can sign up to stay in foster care until they are 21. All states are different. Call your local DSS and talk to a foster agency and they can give you more information. Good luck in school. Wishing you the best.

Sarah - posted on 09/06/2012

hello... Im 19 and currently in college... will you help me find someone that can foster me for college? pls. I badly need it. thank you...



u may e-mail me at kumayognorain@gmail.com

Sarah - posted on 09/06/2012

hello... i might help you a little but im here in the philippines though... i dont know how that's gonna work,,,

Bonita - posted on 08/26/2012

Call your local DSS!! They will inform you when the classes will start. It is helpful if you know other foster parents whom can share their experiences with you. I found that to be very helpful when I first started fostering. I also have got a lot of helpful information off of sites like this one. Yes, research and learn as much as you can because it is rewarding but it is hardwork. I love it and each child that comes through my door have different issues.I thank God for placing them with me. Good luck and welcome to circle of moms!

Rebecca - posted on 06/23/2011

Go to your local DCS office, they will give you all the information you need. Fostering is a wonderful thing. I am currently fostering my nephew and have accomplished all the path classes you're required to take. I wish I had a number for you, but I don't off the top of my head.

Lisa - posted on 02/07/2011

Yes, I too work with an agency which is more demanding re: paperwork, trainings and requirements but also provides more support and pays more then state department. Each agency offers different things so research to find out which you want. For example KidsPeace National here in Maine offers in-home support and Casey offers paid respite once a month, at this time. Be creative and ask pediatricians, police etc. which agencies they recommend. Only get into foster care if you like CHALLENGES. These kids will tax you! However there is such a need for foster parents you won't be long without children. Even providing respite (usually occational weekend) care for other foster parents is helpful and a good way to start. Know, however, that it's the toughest kids other parents need a break from.

The biggest thing about foster care is constant change and unpredicability. You can work with a child and family for a year and half then have a judge make a decision completely opposite of what you expect. In Maine the official status is that kids in care are to be re-unified with their parents. Reality is that by the time they are taken from the families its pretty obvious to the state dept that that won't happen. Of 25 children I've had, only one went back to mom/dad and then only for a month. Money and state budget affect everything. There is more effort to resolve family problems without taking kids out of the house, it's less costly.

To get started you will contact your state depart of child services and get lots of paperwork. Muddling through it is a test of the patience you'll need working with the kids. Be introspective and try to narrow down what kind of kids you want to work with. Then be insistant. Call a lot to let the dept know you are interested. They are overworked and spend all their time dealing with emergencies. Get your name known even if you feel you are nagging. Then they will ask you about all kinds of kids, keep to what you've decided. It may take time but you will be matched eventually. If you stay with foster care expect gaps in time when you will have an empty bed - no income.

Overall a very tough but rewarding life. Have support! and may God bless you in your undertakings.

Renee - posted on 12/29/2010

Ohh I hope you get this at some point, as I am late on finding this. I am in MA, but I have been a foster mom and am also around the same age. When I started the process, I was 21 and had a 6 month old (which is the age you have to be in most states) and now at 23 I have a long term placement. First off, I found an add in the local paper for Intensive foster parents needed. This means I deal with special needs children who have medical, emotional (what kid doesn't), and defects. I work with a company that is hired out by DFS to accomidate these kids. The big advantage is that with an agency, I have A LOT more support then if I went threw DCF. I also get paid a lot more. I am sure this varies, but I get 50/day compared to 17/day. I can pick what I am willing to do, who I can accommodate in my house, the ages, the gender. You name it I can pick it. I just have to be wiling to wait for the right fit. The application and training process took a long time. Mostly because I had to wait for the schedule to come around. That took about a year from start to finish when I got my first call. Also my husband had to also do the same training. You might need to look into what the requirements are in your state. Here you need to prove sufficient income, have a safe house, prove you have a working reliable car, get medical references, show proof of house/ car insurance, show animals are healthy up to date on shots, and recommendations from work and friends or family. I am in the process of getting re approved, and it is the same process which I have to do yearly. This seems to be a good start. You may have started here all ready, but I would use the tab on the right to locate an agency and set up an appointment. They may even make it easier and come to your house! Mine does. http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/fost... I don't know how this sight works but If you want to ask any questions send me a message. I know I am in a different state, but I can certainly help in any way I can. It takes a while of research on line, but there is a ton of great info once you can get the ball rolling with an agency. Good luck.

Brenda - posted on 11/16/2010

It depends on where your at I believe. I just gooogled DHSH and where I am. they sent me a package. I filled it out and sent it back..and now i am a foster parent..I think the hardest part of being a foster parent. If having a bed open and waiting for that call.

Bonnie - posted on 11/09/2010

Hello. I am a foster mom and would love to chat with you about what I know. I have only been doing this for one year and we are renewing our liscense now. It was not an easy process and has not been an easy road for us but well worth it.

Angela - posted on 11/09/2010

I live in Florida.

Karianne - posted on 11/09/2010

What state do you live in?Every state has different rules and regulations.