A number of foster children come into foster care without a foster home to be placed into. This leads to a number of children, yes, even babies and toddlers being placed into shelters due to the lack of placements options. Shelters have a set number of days that a child can stay there, this can lead to foster children been bounced around shelters.

Shelters are just what they sound like, and the image that most of us picture is probably correct at least for the most part. They receive foster children of all ages, disabilities, ethnicity, etc. Children with... more

Why is it Taking So Long for a Placement?

I know of foster parents that have chosen to wait for a young girl under the age of 5 years old, white, no siblings, no real issues to speak of, no developmentally delays, etc. Understand that when you choose a certain gender and a small window of age range, this can limit your possibilities greatly. A large majority of foster children coming into care come from a sibling group which will also impact your placements.... more

This is a question that I hear from time to time. It is always confusing to the foster parents waiting for a placement when everything you hear is about how desperate foster parents are needed. One of the biggest reasons of the delayed foster placements is when foster parents limit the types of foster children that they are willing to parent.

While I do understand only taking children that you feel that you are capable, or willing to parent, on the other side, seeking preconceived traits or desires is only going to work against you. Trying to be honest... more

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

Some agencies use the term “legal risk placement” while others do not. Some people state it is a made up term. I do hear this term used a lot with agencies, caseworkers, foster parents and child welfare.

A "legal risk placement" goal is usually adoption but there is a “risk” that the child will be returned to the biological parents. In cases where this is not the first time the child has come into care, in prior placement(s) the child was reunited with biological parents. After returning to foster care again it may be decided to look for a foster to adopt placement with the plan being adoption. Children that are more apt be to labeled a “legal risk placement” are... more

When you get a call concerning placement for a child or children that have been in another foster home spend sometime getting information. Ask tons of questions and think about it before you make a snap decision. One foster parent might find something unbearable with a foster child, but another foster parent finds is normal for foster care.

It can be hard get to the truth about why they are being moved sometimes. The more questions you ask the better chance you have of piecing together what is going on with this child.

When you are told that the child is being moved because she and the other children are not getting along, this could easily mean that she is being aggressive... more

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School age children may need after school care, and look into your options before you get your first placement if you will need this.

Pajamas, you will need to keep a good selection of sizes since it seems you tend to get placements right before bed time. Pajamas can be almost anything from shorts and tee shirt, oversized shirt, nightgown, sweatpants, undershirt with cotton capris and they do not have to fit the child perfectly. I try to look for shorts, cotton pants and capris with drawstring ties, which I find at resale shops. This way you can at least... more

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Infants can be harder for agencies to place due to the expense of care for an infant. If you choose to foster infants, you need to think about if you will need child care. It is possible in some cases to be reimbursed for day care expenses (it is a limited amount and you may have to go on a wait list, so do not count on it for sure) but for the large part you will be responsible for the expense up front. You can get formula though WIC, see another posting here about this.... more

You will need to be able to cover your foster children’s expenses for a few weeks or up to a couple of months, since monthly reimbursements can take awhile to get started.

Clothing your foster child will be the biggest expense for you. Get the child clothing allowance paperwork in ASAP, so you will get some monies to help with this expense. Remember, you can slowly add to their clothing and they need hygiene stuff also. If you know or get ready to start foster care you need to start shopping and stocking up on sale with hygiene needs, school supplies, and even some clothes when you find great sales.

I keep tubs labeled with sizes of extra clothing and tubs with baby supplies,... more

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Behaviors – This could be about anything. Does the child have anger issues, does this child react with violence (hitting, kicking, throwing things, etc.), does this child bully or intimidate younger or smaller children, does this child harm self, others, or pets, does this child sexually act out with self or others, etc.?

Special Needs- Does this child have physical special needs glasses, hearing issues, medical conditions, etc.? Does this child have emotional needs trust issues, bonding issues, etc.? Does this child need or receive therapy services speech, physical, occupational, behavior, etc.? If the child is under the age of five do not assume that... more