another great video :) I was the one that brought up foster care ...and he was like yes I am open to this ..he says he might not feel as convicted as me but he is excited..and he seems really committed , we really have helped each other through this long process ...and i think he has eased all my fears about being the one that said "foster care!" :)
Yes!! Thanks for yet another great evidence-based foster guide! As you know I pretty much anticipated this topic. It surprised me how much of this process isn't about the foster kid, but instead focuses on the circumstances at hand of you as foster parents/foster family. Thanks for taking us through your thought process.
Love your videos, you have such great information! I'd love to hear more about the things people can do to be involved in foster care when their family isn't ready to actually foster.
We've been foster carers for almost 4 years. We can look after 0 to 18 but at the moment don't take children over 5 as we have a young son, I love every minute so do my children, even the more difficult children bring so much good into our house and it mostly ends in a positive way as you all learn to love each other. I would say if your thinking about becoming a foster family just do it, you will have the most rewarding "job" on the plant.
Thank you for posting these wonderful videos. They are so inspirational and has answered several questions, my husband and I were searching for. We are just below you in Portland. The process has been long and we have learned patience through this. ;) We finally got certified last week. Now the wait again. We do believe the Lord led us to do this and are praying all works out. Thanks again..keep making these videos. We are watching:)
Thanks for saying hi, neighbor! I am so glad to hear Portland has another set of foster parents-there is a tremendous need there (as there is everywhere!) Be sure to connect with these resources from Imago Dei if you haven't already -- I hear they're wonderfully supportive of foster families. idcpdx.com/outreach/city-ministries/foster-care/
This is very helpful! Thank you!! I just came back to watch this video for a second time months later as we are currently in this same season of making these decisions on a frequent basis. God bless you and thank you for all you do to encourage foster parents!
I’m curious - what is the difference between taking one child or sibling set? I’m going through the licensing process and will be a single foster parent. I am a former teacher and definitely want older kids but know that sibling sets are likely.
Do you consider the likelihood of TPR? We did not go in to fostering to adopt, we just felt we should share the blessings we have since we were in a position to help. However, our very first two placements appear to be heading towards TPR and adoption. This initially threw us for a bit of a loop, but after much prayer and discussion we are fully on board to adopt them if it comes to that. Anyway, I feel like this will make us more careful in the future to only accept a placement if we are ready for the possibility of a permanent addition. That may seem obvious, but getting our first call we weren't expecting permanency and the considerations for that were much different than committing to only temporary care. I'm just curious your thoughts. 🙂
We went into foster parenting open to any possible outcome... adoption, reunification, etc. We have experienced reunification, adoption, and keeping kids for a short time until a suitable long-term family could be found. I know many foster parents, though, who *only* do foster care. Once a child in their care is legally free, they help transition them to their adoptive family. Sometimes a seasoned case manager can predict an outcome, but often times it's just wait and see. We try to stay open to whatever, and make informed decisions when decisions are needed. Hope that helps! Good luck with your (growing!) family!
It will be different in each state, but I am pretty sure that across the board, you have to provide proof of your income and financial standing. You must be able to show that you can meet all financial needs for your family without relying on the reimbursement provided to foster parents. In our case, we had to provide the previous year's tax return and bank statements, as well as complete a financial sheet that stated our monthly bills, debts, loans, etc.
Bring a family meals once a month. Pay for a couples massage for the foster parents. Offer to buy school supplies for the kids if they are of school age. Hire a house keeper for a foster family to come once a month (depending on your funds of course). Just a few suggestions that I have heard from different foster parents :)
If your one or more of your children were to have a new biological sibling that needed to come into care, would you likely be notified and would that have an effect on whether you take that child. I love your videos.
Great information in your videos. Thanks for sharing. Your experience with your home being licensed for specific age ranges confused me. Is that particular to your state/region? I'm licensed for all ages; I don't think this is a thing in my state.
@@afosteredlife Great! I looked at my approval paperwork after watching your video and I'm assuming that most people in TN are automatically approved for children 0-18.
So glad to see another video. My husband and I have two weeks left of training and then to the home study. The process is slowly moving forward.
That's great, Carla! It does move slowly, but once you're licensed and a child is in your home, you'll be off and running! Good luck!
another great video :) I was the one that brought up foster care ...and he was like yes I am open to this ..he says he might not feel as convicted as me but he is excited..and he seems really committed , we really have helped each other through this long process ...and i think he has eased all my fears about being the one that said "foster care!" :)
Yes!! Thanks for yet another great evidence-based foster guide! As you know I pretty much anticipated this topic. It surprised me how much of this process isn't about the foster kid, but instead focuses on the circumstances at hand of you as foster parents/foster family. Thanks for taking us through your thought process.
Thanks Harry!
Love your videos, you have such great information! I'd love to hear more about the things people can do to be involved in foster care when their family isn't ready to actually foster.
You got it! Look for this in an upcoming video!
I’m so glad I found your channel!! We plan to do foster care and foster to adopt in the future!! ❤️
We've been foster carers for almost 4 years. We can look after 0 to 18 but at the moment don't take children over 5 as we have a young son, I love every minute so do my children, even the more difficult children bring so much good into our house and it mostly ends in a positive way as you all learn to love each other. I would say if your thinking about becoming a foster family just do it, you will have the most rewarding "job" on the plant.
I'm so glad your experiences as a foster family have been so positive! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for posting these wonderful videos. They are so inspirational and has answered several questions, my husband and I were searching for. We are just below you in Portland. The process has been long and we have learned patience through this. ;) We finally got certified last week. Now the wait again. We do believe the Lord led us to do this and are praying all works out. Thanks again..keep making these videos. We are watching:)
Thanks for saying hi, neighbor! I am so glad to hear Portland has another set of foster parents-there is a tremendous need there (as there is everywhere!) Be sure to connect with these resources from Imago Dei if you haven't already -- I hear they're wonderfully supportive of foster families. idcpdx.com/outreach/city-ministries/foster-care/
wonderful thank you!
This is very helpful! Thank you!! I just came back to watch this video for a second time months later as we are currently in this same season of making these decisions on a frequent basis. God bless you and thank you for all you do to encourage foster parents!
Just started and I already know it's going to be a good one! 💕
Thank you!!
I love your videos too! They are focused and to the point. We are on the pathway to becoming foster parents so getting all the information we can.
I’m curious - what is the difference between taking one child or sibling set? I’m going through the licensing process and will be a single foster parent. I am a former teacher and definitely want older kids but know that sibling sets are likely.
That’s so odd...why would they ask if they already know you’re licensed for a specific age range. Sounds like a test or a set up some how.
Do you consider the likelihood of TPR? We did not go in to fostering to adopt, we just felt we should share the blessings we have since we were in a position to help. However, our very first two placements appear to be heading towards TPR and adoption. This initially threw us for a bit of a loop, but after much prayer and discussion we are fully on board to adopt them if it comes to that. Anyway, I feel like this will make us more careful in the future to only accept a placement if we are ready for the possibility of a permanent addition. That may seem obvious, but getting our first call we weren't expecting permanency and the considerations for that were much different than committing to only temporary care. I'm just curious your thoughts. 🙂
We went into foster parenting open to any possible outcome... adoption, reunification, etc. We have experienced reunification, adoption, and keeping kids for a short time until a suitable long-term family could be found. I know many foster parents, though, who *only* do foster care. Once a child in their care is legally free, they help transition them to their adoptive family. Sometimes a seasoned case manager can predict an outcome, but often times it's just wait and see. We try to stay open to whatever, and make informed decisions when decisions are needed. Hope that helps! Good luck with your (growing!) family!
I m single mother with an enpty nest. Do you recomend me go ahead? I has been working with children all my life as a teacher? Thank you
Yes! You bring experience and availability. I know some wonderful single foster parents. Go for it!
Hi there! When applying for foster license do they ask for utility bills, mortgage statements, bank statements etc?
It will be different in each state, but I am pretty sure that across the board, you have to provide proof of your income and financial standing. You must be able to show that you can meet all financial needs for your family without relying on the reimbursement provided to foster parents. In our case, we had to provide the previous year's tax return and bank statements, as well as complete a financial sheet that stated our monthly bills, debts, loans, etc.
what type of things can you do to support foster care without being a foster parent? Would you mind sharing those 5 ways you mentioned at the end?
Bring a family meals once a month. Pay for a couples massage for the foster parents. Offer to buy school supplies for the kids if they are of school age. Hire a house keeper for a foster family to come once a month (depending on your funds of course). Just a few suggestions that I have heard from different foster parents :)
I did this video a while back - maybe it will give you some ideas! ua-cam.com/video/_f3oraLOu-M/v-deo.html
If your one or more of your children were to have a new biological sibling that needed to come into care, would you likely be notified and would that have an effect on whether you take that child. I love your videos.
Hi Brandy! We would hope to be contacted, but sadly it doesn't always happen. We would always be open to bio siblings of our kiddos, though!
Great information in your videos. Thanks for sharing. Your experience with your home being licensed for specific age ranges confused me. Is that particular to your state/region? I'm licensed for all ages; I don't think this is a thing in my state.
Rebecca Tolley yes here in WA you are
Licensed for specific ages. We started out 0-5, then relicensed for 0-11 and now are 0-18.
@@afosteredlife Great! I looked at my approval paperwork after watching your video and I'm assuming that most people in TN are automatically approved for children 0-18.
The funny thing is the agency doesn't even know what you are licensed for 😮 that says a lot about them
Please tell us more about how to help without fostering children.
I will address this in a future video. Soon!
Please don’t foster children for extra income, which is why the system is broken. It’s the caliber of parents they go to.
Great video!!!!!!
I'm a foster kid
Hello!