For a long time DH and I have been thinking about fostering. We started the very early stages of the process and then got pregnant, but now are thinking of getting back into it.
The thing is, I am scared about a few things. I'm scared it will be emotionally devastating- I have such a heart to want to give some love to these kids, but it will just kill me when they have to go back to bad situations. How on earth do you deal with that?
I am also a bit fearful of the influence it will have on DS- I know foster kids can really have behavioural problems due to all the stuff they have been through- does this have any negative impact on your own child? Or do the benefits outweigh it?
You need to find an agency that you feel support & well educated by. When you go through the assessment process you learn about them as they learn about you.
It's important to know what age range you are comfortable having, if you are prepared to take sibling groups ect. Be honest with your agency & don't be afraid to say no. I have turned down placements becasue they just would not be right for us, sure I feel guilty but you have to think of your family first.
You will possibly encounter behavioural issues, when you go through your training alot of these will be discussed. At this time you will be able to decide what issues you feel comfortable having around your DS and what ones you don't. Never feel like you can't say I don't want that, it's not right for us.
You do have to get your head around the children leaving and returning home. When a child is in foster care, the focus is family reunification. When one child leaves your care, there will always be another waiting to come in, so your care & support will always be needed.
It will be hard & emotionally draining but there are so many children out there who need love & nuturing. The assessment and training process will answer alot of your 'is this right for us' questions.
Good on you for exploring fostering, many more people like you are needed
I'm a youth worker and have always talked about fostering.
I have heard of a few great organisations to do this through, although i don't know too much about the process.
Good Luck though and Congrats on doing such an awesome thing!
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Amberj - I've also thought about fostering and have the exact same questions that you are asking so I look forward to hearing other peoples' rsesponses.
You can state the age group you are willing to foster.
We have a few families at church who foster and they usually have younger children.
Our first foster child was 13 and needed a good kick in the backside when we got him. Saw him a few years later and he was working and doing well.
Would not recommend this age group with small children in the house. Our DDs were 2 & 4 and it was a lot of work and they did miss out a bit due to his behaviour.
All the best as you make the decision to foster or not.
I am a mum to seven children(two adopted) and have been a foster mum for six years.
It is hard, tiring and rewarding. cSometimes it is heartbreaking and sometimes it can give you great joy.
if you enjoy mothering and like the idea of having more kids then this is areally great option.
Thinking of fostering, but scared
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