One of the worst problems in foster care is the lack of foster homes. When a child in the group home has completed his or her program, (and that means they have corrected the problems that sent them to the group home in the first place,) he or she is promised a step down to a foster home, guardianship, adoption or placed back with relatives or family,
The problem is that there is often no where for them to go. The severe lack of foster families has left children placed in the group homes bereft of the opportunity to have a forever family of their own. The State has tried to make it easier to become a foster family by allowing people in apartments to have foster children, working mothers can use day care, and so many accommodations to help encourage people to become foster parents.
The really good news is that we do a fantastic job of training. These days it just makes sense to be the best trained person you can be. In any job placement you might have you are usually required to be trained. Therefore, if you really want to be the best parent for both your own children and your foster children we require training.
I have often encouraged people to look at foster parenting as a job in which the long-lasting benefits in love and relationships are better than any reward in the business world. If parents would do as conscientious of a job as a foster parent as they do as an employee that would be the best win situation.
All your questions about foster parenting - rules, remuneration,(the money you receive for foster care is not a payment or a paycheck, it is money for costs and services provided), blending families and absolutely any other questions you may have we can answer.
Give us a call - seriously, we have wonderful children waiting!