Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Becoming A Foster Parent

Sixteen months ago we started the process to become foster parents.  Over those months, I've answered some questions, shared about the training process and home study, and felt encouraged that we can do this.  And now?  We are officially approved!


I don't know when we will be matched with a child; it could be anywhere from one week to several months.   What do I know?  I know that it will be hard.  I know that we will have to shift priorities.  I know that I will feel challenged.  Most importantly, I know that we have a love-filled home to share with someone who needs it and we're not doing it alone.  

I will be sharing what I can because I know that we can all learn from each other.  It sounds dorky but that's truly how I feel.  Whether it prompts you to start the process yourself, or just provide you with a little insight into the foster system, I hope it will be beneficial.

How do I feel? I'm most nervous about the timing as child care is usually the trickiest thing to manage in `regular life'.  We have a very busy June and July so I really hope that it works out that way.  It would not be ideal for the child to come just as we were heading into a wedding weekend or our one family holiday.  We would love to take him or her with us to Vancouver Island but it depends on timing (how long he or she had been with us) and also the approval of the social worker and parent(s).   We can always say `no' but in my heart I truly believe that the timing will work out.  Our August is purposely wide open for the first time...ever.  Usually it is filled up a year in advance (with wedding photography) but we felt that we should leave it free.


His or her room is ready to be personalized.  We also have bunk beds and crib just in case.  I can't wait to meet the little one that will be using this room.

I'll keep you posted.  Thank you for reading and caring!

Love,
Louise

6 comments:

  1. Congrats on being approved! So exciting! That little one will be so lucky to share in your family's love.

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  2. Yay! Congratulations! I'm so excited to follow along and learn from you.

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    1. Thanks, Katrina! I'm looking forward to following YOU on your adventure :)

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  3. My sister started fostering children several years ago and has since adopted 3 of them and has permanent guardianship of a fourth. She currently has 7 kids in her care (including her own)! Have you guys talked about what your limit is and what will happen to those children you get very attached to but aren't available for adoption? I am assuming you are open to adoption through fostering. :)

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    1. Marsalie--wow. I'm pretty sure that our limit is 4 kids total. Our plan is to take it one day at a time. We are open to adopting but that is not our goal. There are numerous opportunities for education (we have to take an addition 53 hours once we start fostering) so hopefully there will be guidance on how to deal with attachment from our end. All I know is that attachment is good and if my heart breaks; it breaks.

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