Any thoughts on taking in foster children?

Question

My husband and I are considering taking in a foster child or two. We live in California and have two bio children (ages 5 and 2-1/2).

We would only take kids younger then our youngest son.

A few things I am concerned about:
1. The expense - I know you get some money from the state to help, but I have no idea how much and if that would be enough to cover the expenses.
2. Would the bio mom (and/or dad) be allowed to come to my home for visitation in some situations? I'd be concerned about crime or exposing the children to inappropriate behavior.
3. Could I have children who speak only Spanish placed with me? I think that would be unfair to the child since I only speak English.

Answer 1

I don't know about the expense.. but i think if you care enough about the children.. you should do it.. since your background is clean ( that's the only way they would allow you to do this) I am pretty sure if you decide to become a foster parent.. the state will more than compensate you!

on the second part.. the Biological parents wont be allowed to your house.. the state will set up some visitations for the children and the parents.. more than likely at a neutral territory!!.. unless you request it.. and still i don't think that would happen.

and third.. I am not to sure about the speech.. I know that if you are only allowing children in your home that are under your children's ages.. you probably wont have much of a problem with their speech.. I think most Spanish family's that are having babies in the USA are trying to teach their children to speak both languages! I have lived amongst some Spanish people.. and the children could speak better English than the parents..

hope that helps

Answer 2

Greetings from Canada!

My husband & I are fairly new Foster Parents and it has been an interesting experience.

Here, I find that the payment from the Agency does cover all of the expenses of the children. You won't get rich from being a Foster Parent, but the pay does cover all the expenses we have had.

I have found that no two placements are the same. Here, most children go to the Agency office to have supervised Access Visits with their parents, we have never had parents come to our home and in fact that has never been suggested.

If you speak only English the in all likelyhood they will try to place English speaking children with you, although there may be children who speak both languages who need care. A smile, warm milk and a cuddle are international!

I have found that the Workers with whom we deal are concerned that they get a good "fit" between children and foster parents, so they don't want to place children with you if you think that they would not fit in with your own family or lifestyle.

A good way to start is to do "relief" work, where you would take a child or children, perhaps a small family just for a week-end once a month. This gives their regular foster parents a break and time to spend with just their own children.

Another way, is to take in "emergency" placements of children who are taken into care at short notice. With this type of placement you often don't know how long the child will be with you, it might just be over night or could turn into a permanent placement.

We too only accept children who are younger than our youngest child, who is 9 years old.

God Bless you for wanting to help these children and Good Luck!

Answer 3

I fostered 2 children in my younger days. I live in Michigan so I don't know if the guidelines are the same, just that nationwide, good foster homes are in demand.
Regarding expense....I received a monthly check which was ample for support. I also received a clothing allowance and the child was placed on Medicaid.
In one instance, the bio mom was allowed visitation. I suspected drug use on one visit and reported it to my worker. the mom finally lost her rights and the child was adopted out.(happy ending)
You can request only English Speaking children. You can also request only certain ages.
The only down side is saying good-bye. Remember, this is a temporary situatuion where the child is either returned to bio parents or is adopted out. You may want to consider how your children might feel about having to say good-bye so many times. Now that my children are grown, I amm looking to get back into it.
Good-luck to you

Answer 4

Well if you only want children younger then your youngest you should have things from the baby. And the parents are allowed to visit but its your home and if things get out of line you have the right to ask them to leave and the check should help a little or with something. And you wouldnt get a spanish child in you r english home because they are looking out for the children best interest.

Answer 5

I think it's a very good idea, and definetly take pictures to put in a small album for the child. Whether the child ends up living with you perminently or just temporarily, knowing that their arrival into your family was celebrated just like any other child will definetly mean a lot to the child as he or she grows up. I also like including "gently used items" on the invitation. Parents often have so many baby clothes and toys that their kids have out grown. Since you feel a little hesitant about the shower this way you won't feel like your asking people to spend money, however I assume you'll get some new things too.

Answer 6

If you are considering being a fost parent you should contact your local social services department ...

Here is a good California resourse..

http://www.childsworld.ca.gov/FosterCare_310.htm

Visit the site and learn where you can get classes etc. in how the California foster care system works..

Answer 7

i'm sorry for answering this without knowing any info, but i want you to know that i think you're amazing for wanting to do this. it takes such a big heart and so many children are in need.
http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cfsweb/FosterCare_310.htm
i hope this site may help