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hi everyone! this is my 1st time actually posting here. although i've read quite a few threads already. we are in the very early process of becoming foster parents. i guess you could say we are in the "pre-process" since our MAPP classes don't start till the fall. but i just found out today from the SW that hubby has to attend all of those. he is fine with that. but what i'm wondering is.....do we have to do yearly courses to stay licensed? i ran a home daycare for over 10 years and i had to have 12 credit hours of continuing ed every year to stay licensed. i'm wondering if foster parenting is the same? and if so....will my hubby have to go to those as well? he is all for becoming a foster parent and getting licensed. but of course i will be doing most of the work since i am a stay-at-home mom (i have one child who is 13 and he has Down syndrome). i have thought of FP off and on for a few years, and now i feel very led to do this now. i'm very excited and i'm doing lots of research and learning all i can while i wait. thanks to everyone here.....i've already learned quite a bit. if anyone has any other pointers for me please let me know. i am also cleaning/clearing out 2 bedrooms....painting, making sure the closets are cleared out. i have a twin bed and a crib (but i need a crib mattress). i have 2 spare dressers as well. i also have a baby swing. i would like to get 2 more twin beds and a shelf later on. i was thinking of taking ages 0-8. and honestly, i would consider adoption later.....maybe......my heart wants to, but i am 45 years old and i think i'll be 65 when the child turns 20. life is too short....lol.
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Yes you have to have continuing hours every year. I am not sure how many because I think it varies based on area. I think we have to have maybe 14? a year and yes, he would have to go as well. I would ask for a home study check list for what you need to have when they check you out. I know here you have to have everything set up prior or all age groups but I have heard of a lot of people not getting some things until the kids come.
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In my area regular foster parents have ongoing training that is 36 hours every three years. The fc license lasts for three years and you need to have the training hours to renew for another three years. If you are therapeutic it's over 30 hours a year. If you take college courses related to the foster care topics you can get credit also. There are also some approved online trainings.
Good Luck on your journey...
thanks guys. i wish he didn't have to attend the training sessions....or if we could alternate. but i know that won't happen. it's difficult when we have a special needs son and nobody to watch him. i wonder if he could come with us to the training sessions? these are all questions i'll have to ask during the MAPP classes i suppose. thanks for the responses. i have another question, but i think i'll start a new thread for that one.