Choice Chat: What I've Learned
Every county is different, but one couple I met has been fostering for three years, have already adopted one little girl, and are going to probably adopt the six-month-old they are currently fostering. Both children came to them as infants and the adoptions cost them NOTHING! She said even the $300 court filing fee was reimbursed. As the foster parent, if the child is available for adoption, the state gives you preference. She said there is a great shortage of foster parents and didn't think being single would be an issue. The county doesn't technically pay for daycare, but they get a $700 - $1000 monthly stipend for the foster child that is to be used for their food, clothing and shelter. She said they had to take three classes, had a home study done, are assigned a case worker, and meet Wednesdays to go through children needing foster care. You meet the child beforehand and if you decide the child isn't the right fit for your family, you aren't required to take him/her. They already had a six-year-old, so they were only taking children under six. She had nothing but wonderful things to say about the program.
Anyway, I thought I'd get this out there for anyone pondering how to get #1, #2, or #3 without losing the house, car and dog.
