Thinking about becoming foster parents

[dharmama]

We have been TTC for about 8 months now (not a long time by many people's standards....and yet an eternity when you want SO much to have a child) and for whatever reason...it's just not happenin' as quickly as we thought it would.

Over the weekend (after getting my period yet AGAIN) I spent a lot of time walking/praying/meditating.

I kept having reoccuring thoughts about foster care. My thinking....there are a lot of children out there in need of loving homes.....and we have a loving home that is most definitely in need of some children!!! :D

My DH and I are open and will provide a loving home to children however God brings them to us....we just very much want to be parents. We'd really like to have a large family but neither of is comfortable with having a large biological family due to population issues etc.

So...I have just been sitting with the thought of becoming foster parents for a couple of days and it feels really good. I mentioned it to DH this morning. He responded right away and said he is open to the idea.

So now here I am.....exploring the possibility.

Does anyone want to share their experiences w/ foster care???

I mentioned it to my mom and it scared her. She rattled off three stories of people she knows who had incredibly painful experiences with foster care. But then as we talked more she became more supportive of the idea....but admitted that she was still scared (as I am a very sensitive person) that I would get hurt.

Thanks,

Erin
:love

[EFmom]

I've never done it, but I think it's great that you are exploring this. I think it's probably one of the toughest parenting jobs out there, and heaven knows there is a huge shortage of good foster homes.

I do know a few people who have been foster parents. One woman has adopted three children that way. I know that the amount of support you receive and the requirements vary greatly depending on where you live. So, you'd probably get the best insight about doing this from people who are foster parents in your county.

[geekmom]

I've had no birth children, only foster and adoptive children. Best thing I've ever done. I love my children so much I can hardly stand it. They're awesome.

The system on the other hand, is a pain. I find that it can be dealt with. I get a lot of supports from other foster parents in dealing with the system.

For lots more information go to www.fosterparents.com. You can also PM me with any other questions you have. Basically, you can call your local office (the above site will tell you how to find them) and get the application. The classes are free, everything is free and even if you go to classes and decide not to do it, that's fine. It can't hurt to go ahead with looking into it and seeing how you feel about it after the classes and homestudy.

I have to be honest, there will be hurt involved. You will lose kids that you wish you didn't have to, but TTC is no picnic either. There's loss and pain involved in that route too. I just tell people that you can survive the difficult stuff and it's often worth it.

[dharmama]

EFmom ~ Thanks for your response. I spent a good part of the day exploring our local DCF Web page (shhh...don't tell my boss :rolleyes: ) -- there is a good amount of info. about becoming a foster parent in our state.

Aileen ~ Thanks for your encouragement. We're in a bit of transition right now (DH is about to start a new job after over a year of unemployment) so we will be taking things slowly, but I think I will call and find out when the next class starts and get some more information. I'm sure I will be PM-ing you with questions! :D

Thanks.

~Erin
:love