I can't answer your questions but just wanted to say that I think it's FANTASTIC that you're looking into this. I used to work for child protection and it just made me so sad how many kids were desperately in need of a loving stable home, whether it be for a little or a long while... and how few good foster homes were out there. From what I've read on here, you and Shell are wonderful parents and I think a foster kid would be really lucky to land on your doorstep. All the best for this journey.
Thanks Kat
Actually, you may be able to help. I know your answer will probably be to contact the QLD team and have a chat (I have contacted, am waiting for someone to get back to us ) but I'll ask anyway.
I think our biggest concern is having big changes often, because of course having a new child come into your home is huge, and then having to say goodbye and then welcome another child. We're not sure that short-term care is somethig we are ready for with Jazz being not-quite 2. Is long-term care available, or do they prefer you to start out with short-term and then later on decide to do long-term? I know short term can be up to 2 years but can be quite short also. I'm sure this is a common concern though? We would love to open our home to another child soon - late this year or early next year depending on the approval and training etc. Will they tell us to wait until we feel Jazz is able to understand short-term care arrangements, or will they be ok with us wanting to have a long-term care arrangement?
Some States have requirements on the age of any kids that you may have, and age differences between kids in your care and kids coming into your care.
When considering long v short term foster care- How do you think Jas will feel if a sibling she has grown up with for 2 years has to return to their home or to another home?
I definately don't want to put you off, but long term also has its difficulties.
Yep have scoured their website
As far as I'm aware, they prefer to place a child not older than your oldest, but I'm not exactly 100% sure that is correct, thats just what I've heard.
And yes, thats why we are considering long term over short term, I don't think Jazz is old enough to understand why children are coming and going.
Kids placed long term still leave eventually. I grew up with foster kids, and loved it. BUT it is hard. One of my foster brothers was just 6 months younger than me and lived with us from when we were 2 ish to when we were 7 years. And then he was moved on. For me, as a 7 year old kid he was my brother, i couldn't remember before he was there and then he was going somewhere else and we couldn;t see him again. that was hard to understand.
2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.
Any foster carers?
) but I'll ask anyway.
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