Ask Other Foster Parents for Foster Care Agency Recommendations

Been a Foster Parent Since...

Type of Foster Care Provided

Regular, respite, and emergency for children referred through the county's Children and Families Unit.

How the Decision Was Made to Become a Foster Parent

It is something I had wanted to do for a long time. After escaping and surviving an abusive marriage, I wanted to "give back" in return for the help and support I received while going through it.

How We Shared Our Decision with Friends and Family

I am a single foster parent so it was only me (not we). It is only me and my teen daughter in the home, so we talked at length about it and I would not have done it if she felt uncomfortable or was against it. I felt that I had put her through enough with the horrible marriage that she should have a say in this important decision. As far as my extended family, I didn't really share with them until I was accepted into the system.

Lessons Learned

• I would still become a foster parent but I am not sure I would do it through this county.

• I would talk at length with other foster parents in the area to see if they felt supported by the county agency.

• I have learned that this county does not respect or support foster parents the way I feel is needed.

• One of the main things I have learned is how to be a better social worker in this area (I am in my senior year and will have my BSW this spring).

• The other biggie I have learned is that your heart never runs out of love, every foster child that has been in my home has a spot in my heart.

Carrie Craft, Adoption / Foster Care Guide, says:

So, true - there is room in our hearts for all of these children. I remember most of our past foster children's birthdays.

I must also say that I thought our foster care worker did some of her best work only after attempting to take in a foster placement without success. It was then that she truly understood what her foster families were going through. This foster parent's experience with fostering will truly add to her ability to serve the children, families, and foster families under her care.