Frustrated- hit a road block w/ fostering in IL - Page 2

[RhianaW14]

I dont think my Dr would lie, and if it was due to health concerns, I dont think that the agency would want to license me if my child has a potential health "issue".

[christophersmom]

Originally Posted by RhianaW14

So they dont have updated medical files? Isnt that something they need in order to get proper medical care? How would I know what vaccines the child needs?

My FD has been in care since birth but thus far we only have record of one shot being administered ever. We have no idea yet whether it was not done or not documented. We have no clue nor does the SW whether her former foster mom even took her to doctor for her 3 month well check which was due while she was in her care.

We took her for her 6 month and she had an ear and sinus infection, we had only had her about 2 1/2 weeks, we had no clue she was sick. Doctor said she probably had it for "quite a while". The doctor gave her what was expected at 6 months, but we will just wait and see if we can get any additional information.

[Polliwog]

Carly, was the doctor not able to check the state immunization database? Or is that how you found the one shot having been administered?

[queenjane]

Originally Posted by RhianaW14

I dont think my Dr would lie, and if it was due to health concerns, I dont think that the agency would want to license me if my child has a potential health "issue".

I dont think anyone was suggesting your doctor "lie"...however there is a way to phrase something to make it sound more palatable to someone who may have concerns. If your doctor has a good relationship with you, and understands not vaxing may cause issues in being able to foster, he may be willing to write your concerns/desires in "doctor-ese" so that the FC agency accepts it.

For example, when i was going through the homestudy process, i did not tell the social worker we were unschoolers. I said that we "homeschool using a child-led, interest-driven approach that allows my son to progress at his own pace and maintains a positive learning environment" or some such thing. Sounds alot better than "well, we unschool, so my kid pretty much does what he wants, i mean, if he wants to stay up all night playing on the computer, heck thats cool with me man!" LOL. Because even though that is TRUE, it would take way too long and be way off topic for a homestudy to explore WHY i think thats true, so i just did a shortcut that made the social worker feel happy about me homeschooling.

It sounds like your form is standard. Ours is as well. Standard forms usually do not allow for different situations, because they are, well, standard. The vax section does not apply to you, since you dont vax. So...can you just have your doc write in that section "religious exemption per state law" or something similar? (as an aside, i dont get why you cant claim the exemption for the older child since he was already vaxed before...cant you simply state that your religious views have changed and now they do not allow for vaxing?)

Also, as far as a potential "health issue" in your child causing them to not want you to foster....that isnt usually the case. If you say your reasons for delaying vaccination is due to (hypothetically) your child showing allergies or certain sensitivities and you dont want to risk harm to your child, that really isnt anything that puts the FC at risk.

I would just go through the process, fill out your paperwork the best that you can, and see what happens. I cant imagine you are the ONLY fp in IL that doesnt vax. You might have to go up the chain of command if your particular agency hasnt dealt with this issue, but IMO they can make exceptions for all sorts of things.

[christophersmom]

Originally Posted by Polliwog

Carly, was the doctor not able to check the state immunization database? Or is that how you found the one shot having been administered?

Great advice, I will check at our ear/sinus infection fu visit next week. You have been such a great resource for me

[RhianaW14]

Awesome Update for 2/2!!!

So I contacted the agency yesterday telling her I rec'd the application paperwork and after reviewing the medical forms for the kids, I didn't think that it would work out because my 4th child isn't vaccinated (didn't want to say she got SOME but not all). I said that if by chance they would be ok w/ this, then let me know. She emailed me today and said she would email DCFS to see what they say and that it can take a week for them to get back to her.

Later this after noon I rec'd another email and the subject line was "Good news" and the email said:

I got an answer back already from DCFS. They said as long as you write a statement regarding why you are not vaccinating your youngest child, and attach it to the Medical Evaluation form they will accept it.

Praise God!! I told her thank you sooo much for all her hard work, and for putting up with me. lol So, it looks like we get to move ahead!!

I did mention that I have no issues complying with the state and vaxxing the foster children because its not MY child.

Yay!!

[Sierra]

Woohoo!

[queenjane]

That is awesome news! I think in some ways they just want to make sure you are not neglecting your own children's medical care and in the eyes of the state getting vaxes is "good medical care"...so thats wonderful that they will take an explanation that its not just that you arent caring for your child but rather making an informed choice.


Cant wait to hear about the rest of your journey as it unfolds!