We have no idea what we’re doing

We have no idea what we’re doing but it’s happening. We found out this week that COVID isn’t going to hold up our foster licensing process! Our licensing worker is ready to schedule our first home study. For those of you unfamiliar with the process, like we were, this means she is going to come tour our home and talk with us. We have two more training sessions and we’ll pretty much be ready to welcome whoever may need us. Of course there's a few other steps but truthfully it’s not a complicated process. 

Honestly, it has been a great learning experience thus far. We have been able to ask questions, learn about ourselves and be honest and realistic about possible situations. There's free training about children, trauma, and relationships among other necessary topics. Its useful information for anyone that has children or works with children.  So even if you decide it isn’t for you after all, you learned something new.  Oh, and it doesn’t cost anything, at least not with most county agencies.

Two things: 

  • You don’t have to take a placement right away - you can be a respite family, (at least that’s how it is here in NC) where you keep kiddos for a very temporary amount of time like for the weekend. 
  • You can say no - when your case manager calls with a kiddo you don't have to say yes every time. 

There’s support, options, and a lot of resources out there, just ask.

I write this last part with so much love in my heart for you friend.. the most common thing I have been told recently when people hear we are going to foster is “I couldn’t do it, I’d get too attached” or something along those lines. Let me first say, I hear you. I know this is going to be hard, emotional, painful and.. worth it.

A co-worker passed on some wisdom she was told during her time as a foster mom and I want to tell it to you. 

Every child deserves to be loved so much that it hurts when they leave. Read that again. 

You’ve got the love to give. You could do this too.

Peace & blessings friend,

V


Other resources for those interested in learning more about fostering:

https://fosteringnc.org

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/foster-care/fam-foster/licensing/

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