As foster parents, you are the ones that know the child best and can provide information and insight on the foster child. It is so easy for the system just to view this child as just another case and not see them as child with a face.

Foster parents are supposed to be notified about hearings and court appointments concerning the foster children in their care in a timely manner. Timely manner can be very subjective to people. Honestly, I have not received a lot of notice from caseworkers in this area. Two or three days notice is mostly the notice I receive (occasionally the day before or day of) about hearings or court appointments. This raises a huge problem for some foster parents, due to arranging care for all the foster child in their care. Depending on the level of children, how many children you foster and not to mention your crazy schedule (therapies, doctor appointments that some times can take a month just to get in, tutoring, just to name a few) can make this a challenge for a foster parent.

You as the foster parent need to find out your rights in court hearings as the child’s foster parent. Every state does things differently, so you need to check to see what you state does. Someone in your agency should have this information or be able to help you find out it. Also, try to do some research on the web about your state and their laws. Do not count on the child’s caseworker to provide you with this information.

I have posted another article (Click here to read) about a new law pass that allows foster parents to become involved in court hearings this will be required of all states. Some states on in the process legislating to implement the new requirements.

I will be writing about what kind of information that the court will be asking and looking for from you as the foster parent in the near future.


“When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing -- then we truly live life.”
Greg Anderson