Why did you become a foster parent?

This message was originally posted by [url=http://forums.adoption.com/old_boards.php?username=gramaldi]gramaldi[/url]. For me, it was a number of things. When I was growing up an aunt and uncle on my moms side of the family were foster parents and on my dads side there were also a set foster parents so that was encouraging. Also, I have always seen myself as a giver and I have realized at a young age that there were many children that didn't have the lifestyle i had growing up. I feel that every child deserves love, respect and a safe environment to grow up in. In my case, I think God had a big part in encouraging me to chose this. Understanding that there are so many children out there who need so much would probably persuade a lot of kind hearts who in general love children to become a foster parent. Good luck! Thanks, Natalie

This message was originally posted by [url=http://forums.adoption.com/old_boards.php?username=katina]katina[/url]. I am not a foster parent yet, but want to be! I'd say the love for helping, the love for children!! God is my mentor, I give this to him... My mom fostered 2 boys when I was very young, their mom played tug of war with them alot! But I think we all gave them enough love when they were with us, that they grew up to be better men! I love to help people, well i want to do something, I think this is what will help! I hope that if we do adopt, or have a baby of our own we will teach him or her to love, want to share their love too like this as well! Also the children we hope to foster someday... soon hopefully!

This message was originally posted by [url=http://forums.adoption.com/old_boards.php?username=me2nc]me2nc[/url]. My husband and I are in our late 20's and have 1 bio child ourselves. We always wanted to have one child and help at least one child out there that was already placed into this world, but needed a good home or guidance. With my husband being a police officer he saw the huge need for "good" foster homes that did it for love, not income. We originally sought out a private agency due to the fact that my husband would have hands on with these children a lot of times being taken, but due to the type of children that are taken in through private agencies in our area, we are transferring our license over to our county's DSS. We have a 16 yo fd in our home that has been placed with us for 10 months now and could not be any happier. We have done a lot of respite care for chemical dependent children and have really drawn a strong desire to them. But, times get us down and we wonder why we are doing this and possibly placing our own child at risk, but then at night when our 16 yo comes in and finally tells us she loves us, it is well worth all the tears and gray hairs!:

This message was originally posted by [url=http://forums.adoption.com/old_boards.php?username=JST4KIDS]JST4KIDS[/url]. I AM A FOSTER PARENT I RECEIVED MY FIRST CHILD LAST MONTH. I AM ALREADY A SINGLE PARENT OF ONE. THE REASON I WANTED TO BE A FOSTER PARENT IS SIMPLE, I FELT LIKE GOD HAS SO RICHLY BLESSED ME AND MINE THAT I FELT LIKE GOD WAS WANTING ME TO GIVE BACK. I AM A SINGLE PARENT BUT I HAVE A GOOD JOB, WE DON'T WANT FOR MUCH. I FELT REALLY CALLED TO DO THIS. I WAS TORN BETWEEN ADOPOTION AND FOSTER BUT I FELT LIKE I COULD DO MORE GOOD FOSTERING. SO FAR IT HAS BEEN TOUGH AND I AM NOT KIDDING ABOUT THAT. BUT IT HAS ALSO BEEN VERY REWARDING, JUST THE LOOK IN THE CHILDS EYES WHEN HE GETS SOMETHING (DOESN'T HAVE TO BE MUCH) IS WELL, PRICELESS. I AM BLESSED TWICE OVER. IF ANYONE IS THINKING ABOUT IT JUST CHECK OUT THE WEB SITE FOR FAMILY FINDERS AND THE CHILDREN WILL TEAR YOUR HEART OUT. LOVE IT.... TRY IT....

This message was originally posted by [url=http://forums.adoption.com/old_boards.php?username=Flair]Flair[/url]. There's a lot to be said for pictures of adorable children to pull on people's heartstrings (you'd have to use models or adopted/able kids rather than foster kids, by law). A calling from God is wonderful, but what you want is some way of encouraging people to start fostering NOW, right? In Alberta, there are billboards, ads on buses, etc. that have cute little stick figures, as drawn by a child, and the slogan "Will you be my Parents?" which is very powerful. That's for our government agency; and to be honest, I called that number as much because it was right there, as anything. I only found out much later that there were other, private agencies; and even knowing that I would have had trouble finding them. I would say that giving faces to the children people would be helping, and having posters darn near everywhere, are my most useful bits of advice. Having a website that gives more information, such as some of the FAQ's (Do I need to be married? How old do I have to be? What if I was a foster child growing up? etc. etc.) would also be useful. Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck! Star

I am not a foster parent yet, but want to becoming a foster parent!I'd say the love for helping, the love for children!!