Licensing

You made it!!! You will go sign paperwork, receive your book of minimal standards and make choice of gender, age, race, and how many. At this time you can state what you would and would not like to deal with. The only thing we did not feel comfortable with, was sexual abuse or sexual acting out, this was because we had a young daughter we did not want exposed to this. Understand this does not mean this will not happen, the abuse maybe unknown until placed with you. I had two children placed with us that had been sexually abused but it was not known until they were with us. Every case and child will be different and react differently. The little girl (2 years old) was manageable, when she would stimulate herself, you could easily distract or redirect her. We had a little boy (2 years old) that was very sexual to others, this was a very difficult placement for my family, especially my children. It was a short term placement so, we handled it and made it through. I personally would not have kept this little boy long term because of his sexual acting out towards my children. Needless to say that every placement may not be a match for your family, difficult or may entirely not work with your family.

Know what you are comfortable with and be honest about it. As you foster you may change your mind as you go along about what you feel comfortable with. Everything else (age, gender, abuse, needs, siblings and etc.), I took it placement by placement. If I was called for a placement and something was going on in my life, I just didn’t feel comfortable dealing with a situation or problem that a child may be dealing with, I wouldn’t accept the placement. I need to know or feel that I am capable of helping and dealing with this child. Remember it has to be the right choice for you and the child to be able to help them deal with their pain and trauma.

The more restrictions you place on you placements (ex:2-5 year old girl, no siblings, etc.), the longer it may take for a placement. You may get a call for a placement the day you are licensed or it may take a few months. Be patient and good luck

Do not forget to laugh along your new journey in life.