From Allegations To Permanent Placement

When I first became a foster mom, I was very uneducated on even the most basic understanding of how the foster system works. I am sure I am not the only one who has found themselves in that situation, so I thought I would try and write a basic outline of what happens from the time a child's home and family is first investigated on allegations of child abuse or neglect.

Let's start at the beginning. What does the word "foster" mean? Foster means to help someone (or something) grow and develop. to foster also means to take care of some one's needs. When a mom or dad is suspected of being abusive either physically, sexually, emotionally or is being neglectful, the state has to step in and do an investigation of what is happening in that home. If it is decided that it is unsafe for the child to remain in that home, then the state will remove the child and place them in another home where they will be safe.

In order to determine which home a child can be placed in, the state conducts a background check on everyone in the potential new foster family. The state also will have to inspect the home. If it is determined that the people are okay to be named as foster parents, that they have no criminal charges against them in their past, then they have to take training that will help them learn how to deal with many of the problems that a foster child may have. If the state decides that the home is safe for the child, then the child is placed as a foster child into the new foster home.

At first, a child living with a new family can be very intimidating to the child. There are new people to get to know and new rules of the particular family to learn. There will probably also be a new school to go to. There may be many mixed emotions within the foster child. They may feel safe and more relaxed due to living in a more quiet and "normal" family environment. They may feel safe and happy that their foster parents are loving and nurturing, but at the same time, they may feel sad and worried about what is going to happen to their mom or dad. They often constantly worry over what is going to happen next and may even go through periods of time when they are very angry over the whole situation. This is why it is important that the foster family has had some training so they have some idea how to deal with the added stress and confusion that often comes with the arrival of a foster child into their home.

When a child is removed from their home and placed in foster care, they are immediately assigned a caseworker. It is the caseworker's job to determine what needs to be done to make it possible to reunite the child with his or her real family. Everything possible is done to help the child's mom or dad understand what is needed from them in order for their child to be returned home. This is usually the outcome, but sometimes it is decided that it just won't be possible for the child to return home. In those cases, the child may remain in foster care or they may go and live with a relative. If the situation gets to the point where the child's mom or dad's parental rights are terminated, then the child can be adopted or a family can assume guardianship of the child. Sometimes, a child will simply remain in foster care until he or she is old enough to move out and live on their own.

Whatever the final outcome, the whole process, from removing the child until the state makes its final decision, can be extremely stressful on everyone involved. This is why I began this sight in the first place. It is so important that foster parents have someone to talk to about the issues they are dealing with. It is important to find a support system right away. Your foster child is going to need you at your best to help him or her through the many issues that will be faced. You will also need to have enough training and help and support so that you feel confident that you are going to be able to meet the many needs of not only your foster child, but the needs of yourself as well.