Fostering

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  • #5034
    sunshineorla
    Member

    Myself and DH were thinking about fostering. Does anybody know the process you have to go through? How long does it take? We were thinking we’d prefer kids under 10 as we dont want to be dealing with the whole hormonal thing, can you specify what ages you’d prefer?
    I have to talk to the rest of family to make sure they are ok with it first. What would be the best way to approach a teenage girl in relation to this? She kind of likes her routine, so I’m hoping she’d be ok with it.
    Any advic ewould be great,
    Thanks.

    #76416
    scole1
    Member

    check out fostering ireland or see if there are any fostering forums and you’ll get to ask questions to parents who are fostering now….

    this is something i too would like to do but not right now not the right time….you have to have a lot of strength to deal with kids that may have ahad bad experiences and also having to see them go….but you i think would be well able for that…

    as regards approaching subject with teenager i’m sure if you planted the seed and let her think about it she may come round, she might surprise you…

    best of luck….

    #76419
    Taylor5
    Member

    I was asked a few time if I would foster in the past, but dh wasnt up for it. The process can take weeks, they do checks into your background and they will contact people who know you for references (ie, relations, boss etc…)

    There is a massive shortage for kids over 12, dont think you can foster an over 12 with a child or baby in the house, think there is something about saftey for younger kids as most of the teenagers would have problems……. you get paid 300 euro per week (tax free) well its tax free as its not directly for you the 300 euro is to provide for all the childs needs…….. I know a woman who fostered 50 kids over the years, it was her 70th birthday and most of the kids came back for the party, she was thrilled, she died a few weeks later… but since meeting all her old kids she was sooo happy
    I think if you can do it, then go for it as there are kids in care homes all over the country

    #76426
    Jedt
    Keymaster

    Hi SunshineOrla,

    A neighbour of mine fosters kids. I can ask her if she would have a chat with you? let me know if you’d like that and I’ll PM her details – she’ll be able to fill you in on the whole process etc.

    #76464
    sunshineorla
    Member

    Yes, that would be good. Thanks.

    #76466
    Taylor5
    Member

    Sabbi I know you neighbour fosters but she would be in Meath… Sunshine would be Louth and they are totally differeny meath more strict!

    #76489
    libby1
    Participant

    I work with Adults with Learning Disability, they are always looking for Parents to foster Adults if anyone is interested…..

    #76496
    Babs
    Member

    We looked into it a few years ago…just give your local health centre a ring and they will organise a meeting with a social worker…we met with one in Ballsgrove and she told us all we needed to know…she supplied us with loads of info and a form to complete….if you then decide to apply they will send you on an intensive "training" course…the waiting time just depends on how long it takes to match your family with a specific child (there are so many children waiting to be placed)….good luck…to give a child a loving home is the best gift you can give.

    #76504
    sunshineorla
    Member

    Thanks for that. I put in a phone call to HSE in Dundalk and waiting for a reply. You would think they would be more speedy about calling you back wouldnt they? See what happens from here.

    #76699
    Moonflower
    Member

    We have approached the HSe several times and we were told a fewyears back during a social worker visit as we were actively trying fertility treatment we were unable to foster until we had stopped fertility treatment and until our own child if we were lucky to have one was at least 2 yrs old. so last year after deciding to no longer actively try any more fertility treatment and our Ds now being 3, and never forgettin what we were told 5 yrs ago we approached them again and were told they prefer for your own children to be at least 10 years old??? 🙁

    we left our contact details for a call should it be at all possible and have heard no more…so felt very rejected…..

    #76709
    Babs
    Member

    Thats appalling! We were also told that any children in the host family should be over 3 and that you shouldn’t be actively trying for anymore…but to say that children should be 10!!!! I would take it further with the HSE as there are so many children waiting to be placed in loving homes, that sounds more like a "policy" made up by that department or team rather than the HSE as a whole!!!

    #76715
    Taylor5
    Member

    Yeah I was asked a few years ago and only a few months ago was talking to the same phn, she was telling me that its over 12’s…. think they have alot of older children with problems and it wouldnt be suitable to be housed in a home with younger kids…. also the emotion of kids coming and going in a household…… Give them 6 months and they will move the goalposts again.

    Moonflower great to see you back on, I wouldnt let it go… give them another call, if not for you but so no other family get the brush off like that

    #76720
    sunshineorla
    Member

    Jesus I’m shocked. What the hell is going on with them? You would think they would be trying to encourage people to foster. I bet you we wont be suitable, what with the little man only being 16 months. Still no phonecall from them by the way. Might ring again today. Let you know if I hear anything.

    #76725
    Moonflower
    Member

    well maybe try ringing again….they are probably very busy…but it does make you wonder….perhaps each individual case is different and they may make acceptions to rule of how old yr own children need to be….

    #76744
    sunshineorla
    Member

    My auntie says that they have to give you a valid reason for not accepting you as a foster parent. You can get a solicitor who deals with this type of thing to send letters to the foster care approvals board on appeal. She says that there are a few working in the area who can be kind of bullying but you have to stand up for yourself and dont take what they say as gospel if you feel they are in the wrong!

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