Considering Foster Care, too old?

May 20, 2009

I am new here and just looking for some feedback. I am 51 years old. I've never had children of my own, but I have always loved children. I've been thinking for a while about taking in one or two foster children. I would like to get your opinions about my age. I know there are a lot of variables. . .everyone is different, but I'm just looking for food for thought.

I work (for the last 3-1/2 years) in a Special Ed class of around 20 or more children and I also am working toward my bachelor's degree (all online) in teaching.

I have the date to go to an initial meeting and have talked with a couple of caseworker/counslers. At this point, I am just "doing my homework."

wren

saj

May 20, 2009

I am 62 and have two adopted children (9 and 10). I adopted them as babies. You do the math. I started foster care in Florida, (Pinellas County) in 2000. I also was a special Ed teacher for 22 years. It worked for me. PM me if you want to talk about it.

Sincerely,

Saj

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wrenegade

May 20, 2009

Hi Saj!

Thank you for the quick feedback! It was encouraging. How do you PM? Is it like IM?

Anyway, I can't do it right not as have to shower and do some college homework b4 bedtime, but I will contact you later.

bye for now,

wren

momof9wantingmore

May 20, 2009

I am 51 and my husband is 49, we have adopted 3 children from foster care who are now 8,7 and 5, we also continue to be foster parents and have one foster child at this time, he is 8 months old.

CaddoRose

May 20, 2009

I just turned 46 and DH will be 51 in Nov. We are in the process of adopting our second placement who will be 2yrs old in July. It sounds like you would be a great foster parent with your experience in the classroom a real plus.

ladyjubilee

May 21, 2009

The oldest foster parent I know is 78......and his kids are doing great.

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adoptmom2be

May 22, 2009

I don't think you are too old at all. One of the sib groups we are looking at have foster parents over 60. Just depends on your energy level - they need more good people so I say go for it!

dachshunds4you

May 22, 2009

We had late 70 yr olds in one of our foster classes. They had been doing it for yrs. They were a wealth of information, just in the experiences in life they had.

Go for it!!

wrenegade

May 24, 2009

Hello everyone!

Thank you all so much for your words of support! Let me tell you a little more about the situation. I realized that (for right now) it was this one little boy in my class that I really wanted to help and I thought foster care was the route, but I met the counsler and talked to some social workers and realized that is not the best way for this situation. They explained to me that become a foster parent would in no way guarentee that I would be able to get this particular child. Also, he has siblings and I was concerned about him being separated from them. Well, as it has worked out, I have met the mom and have her respect. She agreed to let me take him and his brother for the weekend. We are having a blast!! It looks like they will be spending the summer with me and we will see how it goes from here. . one day at a time!! These kids have really had nothing. It's a very sad situation at home. I don't have much, but I do have a lot of love and I know I can give them a better chance in life. My two main worries are that I am not a high energy person (as someone mentioned about energy) but I do have a lot of patience. The other worry is financial. Hopefully, Mom will help out some. Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and any advice you have to offer is most welcome!! :thanks: