Fostering in Florida

Hkolin and Makarios79 have been really blessed by the people that they have worked with. They are both lucky that thier experiences with the system have been limited. And I mean that with a good heart. I know many fp's that have adopted their first placements - so have not had very many issues because of imminent adoption or single placement or relative care, or even a pending tpr. I am really glad that there are successful, stressless cases out there LOL :) I know I'm really sour on the system in the middle FL counties. Of course, since outsourcing, we are rural, it only takes 2x's as long to get anything because the agency has to go to one of the other agencies, then that agency has to get dcf on board - I'm taking about the more serious issues. If you read any of my back posts - you will see that the system has not come thru for the kids. I think the "system" is set up for the deadbeat parents, and I really do understand that the judges and dcfs wants to make sure that all the hoops have been jumped thru before tpr's happen - but many times (and over the years I seen it) there is 1 to many hoops and an irreparable child comes out of it back into a system that is not prepared to deal with them. I've had kids that were removed at the age 2 months, had twin siblings come into care at birth and the twins passed their 2nd birthday before an adoptive family was even searched for. Another set of children, baby came into care at 3.5 months with unexplained broken bones and 2 years later he is still being waffled around. As bio's learn where child is - he is moved - because of threats of kidnapping. This child will never bond to anyone. We had one that was returned "home" to an 8x10 add-on to the back of Gma's house (there were 8 children and Mom to stay in this room) with no notice. After 4 months in my home - she was ru'd on 2 hrs notice). The middle area of the state - where it is an hour away from any services - is kind of left behind. I've had FAS and autistic children with no special rates. I've taken sibling groups from the shelters and received NO requested services for them. Babies that don't even have a name attached. No, in the middle states, dcf, several years ago, did a much better job. Maybe I only foster the "hard" cases - but I've sure had my own share. These haven't been the only nightmares that I've had. Congrats to you all that have had the blessings ofr decent dcm's, good service providers, and someplace besides the county clinic to take the kids. But I don't do it for the system, or for the parents, I do it for the kids. (I do get so horribly frustrated with it.) They so desperately need loving and parenting and stability and food and clothing and hugs and kisses and and and and

I am in the same district/county as hkolin and Mak and I have had a good experience with all the agency workers I have dealt with also. I think it is location and that things really do trickle down from a absolutely wonderful Judge (G) that really puts kids first. I think it causes everyone else to take things more seriously and document. I havn't minded working with the various agencies that have been involved with the privitization. I think it keeps everyone on there toes with lots of checks and balances. That's just my 2 cents!

Just found out today by my Support Specialist (for you guys in Jax) that Central Placement is no longer at the Boys Home.....it is now going to be done through FSS...all the placement coordinators had to reapply and be re-interviewed by FSS to keep their job.... Let the changes begin....Let's see what else they will change

I am also very interested in becoming a part of your conversations. My husband and I started the process the advanced MAPP classes on Feb 17, 2007, had my 1st homestudy on May 5, 2nd on May 14, paperwork submitted for licensing on May 18 (at latest) and its been about 6 weeks, still waiting. I don't know how much longer we can wait. How long did it take for you guys. Sam

You'll have to call your licensing specialist to see when the homestudy will be written and the whole package sent to the state district office. The state has 30 days to act on the license or they loose funds. See the thread "State Wait"

I agree, the kids are the easy part. We are having problems with CW saying we aren't priveledged to information. As a foster parent, what are we entitled to in Florida? Anyone have a list of things they expect to accompany their foster child? I have a list, and it seems like lately I only receive the child and a custody letter.

OUr entire process after the MAPP classes took about 6months. Once the packet is sent to Tallahassee, it only takes a few days. We received a call from our liscensing case worker, and then received a call from placement minutes later. We didn't receive the paperwork in the mail till weeks later. I'm hoping you finish your process soon! The children are a joy.

Thanks for the advice, well I actually received a call last wednesday from our new licensing case worker (previous one left). My homestudy was written up on May 17 or so, sent to our local district and it got kicked back for some additional information, but It took them almost a month and half to figure out something that took me 2 minutes to get to them. Can you believe that my FBI clearance still has not come back yet (after 3 1/5 months) I have never been arrested, not even a ticket... uuuggghhh, I am so frustrated, they told me it can take another month or so. Do you think if I start getting on my new licensing case workers case it would get done faster. What I don't understand is that the State of FLorida has all these campaigns stating they need foster homes that there are many children who need homes. I would think that they would speed the process up just a tad. Don't you just love the State. I was hoping to get a placement prior to the beginning of the school year. I guess its not out of reach, my son still has another 6 weeks before he starts school again.

Not sure if it's any consolation, but it was nearly 3 months from when we finished MAPP until we were licensed. We'll be celebrating our 1st year anniversary of being foster parents as well as our 5 yr wedding anniversary this Thursday. They system sucks big time and to be honest if our children go home or we adopt them we're getting out of foster care. They (the agency) do not look out for the best interest of these kids.

well heck this is florida they have no trouble putting more than five children in the foster home they should have no trouble allowing you to adopt more than five.

They will let you adopt if you have 5 or more children, but you can not become foster parents if you already have 5 children in the home. We where told that those that had their license before the 5 rule went into effect can still foster more then 5. They will not license new foster homes for anymore then 5 children in the home. We tried! We are currently hoping to adopt through foster care, but that has been hard. They want most of the children to go to smaller families.

I agree that the system needs work my husband and had our neice for 2 1/2 years (voluntary placement from TX... translation SW there wanted the case off her desk & we were to naive to know what voluntary meant) the state in FL was involved for less than 6 months (before sending the case back to TX) during that time we had 5 different people on her case! I was so frustrated and angry. You think these people know what they are doing and then they ask you for answers! I think these SW's care and are overwhelmed but could some one just look at these kids and make a decision already! My neices, 3 and 7 months, were both "born" into the system and are still bouncing around! It is maddening. Now are neices are in TX and we were told that they will not transfer them to FL becuase the parents won't get to have visits. Seriously the girls have only lived with the bios for a total of 7 weeks they don't even know eachother!

Hi all I am new to the foster care system. I am in the Treasure Coast, We adopted our daughter when she was 2 and she is now 8. We decided to do foster care this time instead of just adopting from the system. Our teacher was very honest also when we took our MAPP class. We are having our 2 home visit Tuesday. So then we wait. :coffee:

lovingmom07, I am also from the Treasure Coast, we kinda started out the same, wanted to adopt and our teacher was so up front about the process and the difficulties we decided to foster. Where did you take your MAPP classes?

I am just starting, (Orientation in a few weeks) and after reading this thread I am sufficiently scared about the agencies :camo: Would anyone who has worked with the Orange County agencies (CHS, Kids Hope, Neighbor to Family) please PM me on whether it was a good or bad experience? Thank you so much!