This is a question that seems to be asked a lot of myself and other foster parents that I know. There seems to be a lot of misinformation or information that is not entirely correct about foster care so I will address them one at time.

Foster parents can continue taking family vacations, long weekends, family reunions, etc. while you are foster parents. Does having foster children change these things, and how you spend your free time? Sure, you have two real options.

First one is you can choose to use respite care for your foster children. This may be the easier one in some ways but should not be your first choice. Placing your foster children in respite is not always what is best for them. Please read my other article about respite care.

Every situation is different, the caseworkers may be more involved than other caseworkers are, the same can be said for bio parents. I personally have taken vacations with my family and foster children without problems. We have visited family on long weekends, attended family reunions, and holidays away from our home. I have never been told I could not go and I have even received permission to take my foster children across state lines. This did not happen without me working on it and laying ground work.
You have to give the caseworker advanced notice allowing time to get permission from the judge if need be. You have to provide dates, address, telephone numbers of where you will be. I have been in the position of having to ask permission without any really notice (less than 72 hours). I was granted permission by the judge.

Continued………


"There are two kinds of adventurers; those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won't."
Rabindranath Tagore