I don't. I think getting kids into homes is better. There is a difference.
Most of the kids that are in the system for a long, long time aren't there because the licensing process takes long -- they are there because their biological parents' rights haven't been terminated yet and they are working toward reunification... or because no one wants them, unfortunately. There's not really a demand for kids' older than 2 that aren't white, particular those who are coming from neglect/abuse etc -- which is the majority of the children.
Yup, that certainly is a big problem, especially if they keep trying to reconnect the children with their biological parents and it does not work out.
But does that change my point? If you can get kids into homes quicker without the end results changing drastically (meaning you get good, loving families), is that not better?
you'll know a of a lot more about those people after 6 months than if you didnt try to get to know them at all. the goal is to not have a single child put into a potentially dangerous situation.
Sure, but I really don't think it can be much faster. They have to do their due diligence on preparation and training. The parents need to become familiar with the needs. It's not like you are matched with a kid and then you do all the prep and training while the kid is waiting around for you. The children you are matched with after you are licensed might have only been in the system a week or two, or even a few days.
The thing that would speed up the placements would be if more parents were willing to take older children, those of a different race, etc. Healthy newborns don't wait in the system long at all.
Also over half the kids in the system in Texas aren't even available for adoption -- they are in foster families while their biological parents try to get their act together for reunification. Then if the parents don't come through after a year (or sometimes longer if ordered by the judge) then CPS can start looking for a family that wants to adopt them.
The system isn't perfect, but the horror stories about foster families, plus other stories about the years and years it takes to adopt aren't the norm. If someone is waiting over a year to adopt, it's because they are being picky.
Also, Kori: Oh, I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought that I was once
I'm assuming that Kori and LJ went through much of the same training and licensing that our foster parents go through at our agency.
And yes, that 40-50 hours of training is worth it. You learn some great things. I'll be sitting through about 30 hours of it throughout the year (obviously we all know I'm new at this)
However, from the two weeks I've been there and from what I've already learned....the thing with fostering or foster/to adopt families is that you'll get great families like the Ellis' and then you'll get some that will have 5-6 foster kids coming in and out of the home at any given time because of reunification, a behavioral breakdown, or whatever it may be.
The state pays the foster family and some foster parents foster loads of kids just for the money and see it as a job, not out of love or out of compassion or because there is a genuine desire for a child. They'll ask for the more at risk older kids because they get more money...and that's determinable to the child's development (especially when they are 15-17 close to aging out of the system). They'll slack on paperwork, not take kids to special events, whatever...but if you say something about money they're all ears. It's horrible and a reason not to foster.
That's part of why licensing is so important. If there isn't someone (licensing and the private agency keeping even a small eye on the family in question) to catch families that are fostering "as a job" or "just to get by" and causing more harm then good it's not a good environment for the child, especially when the child has bigger issues (neglect, medical issues, behavioral problems, etc).
It's probably been said more eloquently, but that's what I've seen so far.
yea it is
Definitely-- Ash- I have heard many a story about people who foster kids for the money.
damnit Kori! I have done nothing but show you and your family love time and time again, yet you STILL ignore my simple request!!!!
It's not possible.
son there should be an option for WNBA teams as well. we need to show some love.
BR definitely had that lobotomy!
son why the hate!???BR definitely had that lobotomy!
Congratulations to your new family!!!
wow a lot has changed. congrats kori.
^wants to be the next one you adopt
well... i reckon the difference between breast feeding 3 people and breast feeding 4 is insignificant.
My parents adopted me and were foster parents all throughout my life. I had a great experience as a foster sibling. My sisters and I treated each other as sisters. The only time any of us ever used the term foster was to explain to people how their were three of us who were all the same age and from the same family but were not triplets.
I am glad Ash is a caseworker and that Kori and L.J. adopted because I know they are all going to be blessed in their decisions to care for kids. Also, I wil be happy to incorporate their wisdom later down the road if/ when Bo and I are ready to foster or adopt.
Congrats on your lovely family, Kori and L.J. !
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