How is the Economy hurting Foster Care?

With the United States being in a recession, how is that affecting the Foster Care community?  Foster Care parents depend on the State to provide them with essential funds for the needs of the children they have taken into their home.  What happens when those funds are not enough to support the children in their custody?  In this case the Foster parent has to reach into there own pocket to support there children.  In todays economic climate this is not always a reasonable solution.  So what does this mean for Foster Care?

The Economy's effects on Fostercare

The O'Brien's on the Today Show

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Heaven in need of Help

In November the O'Briens garage burned down.  The garage not only provided storage space for the family, but it also gave Dan, a mechanic, the ability to work on his vehicles and on vehicles of those in need.  Because of this need, several individuals began to explore exactly what could be done to help this family who had already committed to help so many others.  At about the same time, Dan and Lori were approached by the state about adopting two more sibling groups.  They are currently unable to do so because of the lack of space in their home.

At the beginning of Heaven House

This is the story of the O'Brien family who is a bright spot in the lives of many children in the State of Wisconsin.  Their mission is to provide a forever family for as many children as possible.

When Dan and Lori O'Brien decided to become part of the Wisconsin Foster Care Program they saw a big need in the hearts of area kids whose lives were being destroyed by addictions,abuse, and divorce.  This couple could not bear to watch as little brothers and sisters were being torn apart by the"system."  They began the process of adopting precious sibling groups; first one, then the next, until they added eleven children to their family of five.

What do I need to do to become a foster parent?

In almost all fifty states there are certain classes you have to take in order to become a Certified Foster parent. Most classes teach topics on: 

-Learning what to expect and what services are available

-Looking at ones own strengths and needs

-Developing skills in giving love and attention to a troubled child

-Learning about stages of child development

-Helping children manage behavior

-Understanding the roles and responsibilities of teamwork

These classes usually take in the range of eight to twelve weeks in length to complete. 

Objective of this blog "Reasons for becoming a Foster Parent"

There are many different reasons for becoming a foster parent.  Some people have a distinct calling in life to help children.  Some were Foster Children themselves growing up and now that they are adults want to repay the kindness by helping out others.  Some people our even motivated by filling a void that they might have of not being able to have children of their own. Foster care is a great first step in the adoption process.  The point that I am trying to make is that their are countless reasons for being a foster parent, these are just a few. Throughout this blog we are going to explore these reasons and discover what some families in this situation have to say on this topic.