To ask about fostering

[QuestionableMouse]

So it probably won't happen in the next few years but I'd really like to become a foster parent at some point. I feel like I have a lot of offer, I'm patient, challenging behaviour doesn't bother me (nephew is going through the terrible twos right now).

I'll probably never have my own kids due to fertility issues too.

Any foster parents care to fill me in on the nitty gritty? Thank you.

The behaviour issues will be a bit more serious than the terrible twos. Go over to the fostering board. For good advice.

I agree go to the fostering board, our LA won't take foster carers with fertility issues until they have explored adoption, or are looking to foster children aged 8 plus. Obviously these policies change all the time and private agencies may have different policies to the LA

Yeah I'd say the fostering boards are a better place to go for this, there are some pages on Facebook too I believe. One of my best friends is a foster parent, and to put it lightly her foster child has been through the mill. The challenging behaviour is far beyond the terrible twos because the terrible twos is fairly normal, the abuse or neglect these children have suffered really isn't normal, it's very damaging. If you want young kids too, it may well not be for you, either, there are a lot more teens and older children who require homes, than cute little babies who tend to be snapped up. Going through the process to be approved is also not an easy one, I supported my best friend through it and personally wouldn't have been able to do it. As far as I'm concerned she's amazing, though!

Thanks! I didn't know there was a fostering board.

A friend of mine used to foster younger children and babies. Even the babies were trickier than typical terrible twos behaviour. That’s not to say it wasn’t rewarding for her or that she didn’t love all of the children she took care of, she absolutely did but they had all been through a lot- physical and emotional abuse and neglect, additional needs that had never been addressed and at least 1 who went through crack cocaine (I think) withdrawal.