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Hi, I am new to the thread and I was just wondering if anyone out there could give me their opinion. I am looking to start foster care after I complete school. Which will take me 2 years. I am hearing that becoming a foster parent can be very time consuming. If so, when will it be a good time for me to start taking classes and actually doing all the paperwork to become one. I am looking to eventually become a career foster mom but I read that in missouri you have to at least be a foster parent for 1 year before becoming a foster mom. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks
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Love,
Becoming a foster parent is a long (red-tape filled) process. If you want to begin fostering in two years you may want to start the process 1-1 1/2 years in advance. There is alot of paperwork to fill out and classes to take. I am also in school and have worked out scheduling classes on weekends and such. I live in St. Louis and started the process in 8/03 and still do not have a written homestudy completed (all visits/classes/paperwork were completed 3 months ago).
Good luck on your journey!
JenandNaomi
A homestudy is a written report that a social worker does about your home (physical characteristics) your life (financial, hobbies, relationships) and your ability to care for a child. Mine included 5 in-home visits, and one visit to the social workers office. It also includes phone calls to your references (5) and their comments and responses about you. It's nothing to be intimidated by but usually the only thing that other social workers go by when choosing you to be considered for a child in their caseload.
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Hi Love,
Contact your local family services office- they can give you give you a contact person on foster classes in that county or get your info to return your call. When we got our license 4.5 years ago, we were told even after the classes & homestudy, we didn't have to take any placements(kids). We have had numerous calls for placements and have had to say no several times b/c of the childres age or if sibling group or behaviors +, fostering is about the children when the placement worker is calling they're trying to find a home for the child, not a child that fits you. Fostering can be very challenging at times, definently an eye opener, but is so rewarding also. E-mail me privately if have any questions