First, please understand that I support some family reunification even with foster children but am also realistic. Meaning that I realize there are a number of foster children that should not be part of it or for it to even be part of their plan. Again it should only be about what is best for the foster children and not the parents.

Yes, family reunification or kinship placements should be an option, but not the only option. In some cases it may not be in the best interest of the child. When family reunification is the right choice for the children then it can be a great, wonderful tool for all involved.

I have been told by others that problems with failed family reunification,... more

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Granted some foster families do not feel the need for respite but you have to remember that other foster parents may have different circumstances or deal with therapeutic children (they are a whole different ball game, so to speak). Believe me, there are some specialized therapeutic children that you would have to get a break from or you would go insane.

For most of my foster children I have not used respite. I am kind of funny about letting people I do not know care of my children even if they are foster children. I had to testify in court for CPS, so they tried to arrange care for my foster daughter with no cost to me. I did not want some stranger... more

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When you deal with special needs children, there are challenges that come with them that you will have to find ways to deal with them. When I was caring for my autistic foster son there were times when I had to use respite type care for him that I have not done with other foster children. I could take my children including my autistic foster son shopping, on errands, appointments, and some outings. Also there were times when I knew that certain settings would cause problems for him, Like an appointment that I’ll be very involved in, or I was unsure how he would react... more

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Most likely your foster children had never experienced these things I’ve mentioned and every child deserves to have these experiences. Yes it can make these events more stressful by involving a foster child (I’ll be writing about ways to ease the process, so keep checking back.) It does not mean it cannot be done and the foster child would be successful. People, we take this job as a foster parent so we need to do what is right by the child and what that child deserves. Remember it is a job as a parent and a foster parent. How I think about it is would I put my own child... more

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I personally have found that home day care providers are easier to work with because of drop-ins and can be more accepting of difficult children. I found a lady not far from my house that I used. I could call her with a week’s notice or the day I needed care with multiple special needs children. Even if I needed overnight care she worked with me. A great bonus for me was that she could watch my own children for me so I didn’t have to split up my foster kids and my children up. I also had my sister go through some classes and the background checks so she could help me... more

You as the foster parent are entitled to so many days (a month or a year, depending on your agency) for respite care for your foster children. Respite care is for Foster children in care when the Foster parent needs a break or something comes up in their lives. Some Foster parents do not need respite care. There are children that are foster children in care that will need respite care expressly if you work with therapeutic children or children with severe behaviors or emotional needs. These children can be very draining to you personally, your family and your way of life. There may be times that you have severe problems between a foster child, one of your children or another foster child... more