My in-laws were foster parents for over thirty years and cared for over 100's of kids. They adopted six. It can be extremely trying and very sad when you encounter children damaged seemingly beyond repair. Ultimately, very fulfilling. Good luck.
Congrats! That's really wonderful. Fostering a child is something that my wife and I have been considering lately. How hard was the process? What were the biggest challenges?
Well we don't live in Houston and I think the process really varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For us, it required two months of weekly classes, and a "home study" which involves a pretty intensive interview, filling out history, financial forms, passing a background check, and having our home inspected. It took a while, but it really wasn't difficult.
We all get our highs by different means. Looks like Gil and his wife get their high from making a positive impact on someone who might not have had a chance otherwise. I toast you with a mug of tea(my Heinies aren't cold)!
Congratulations! I have to admit the first thing that popped in my head was a Native American when I first heard her name. I'm curious though, what do they teach in the classes? Do you get help from the Gov't with your foster home?
The classes cover topics like how to deal with kids who have been abused or neglected, how the foster/adoption system works, etc. Foster families receive a monthly stipend, and the kids are covered by medical insurance through the state. There is a day care allowance, if your foster kid goes to day care. There is a social worker assigned to each foster home and a social worker assigned to each foster child. Also, in Maryland,any kid who is in foster care past, I think, their 15th birthday gets free tuition to any Maryland state university.
I don't think that's overstatement at all. I promise you that child will feel that way. I think it's nothing short of heroic.
It is hard. Some close friends were the foster parents for the baby who was burned in the microwave in Galveston. They wanted to adopt her, but the judge gave custody to a distant family member instead. They were devastated.
I'll follow mlwoo's doucheyness and wonder aloud about the name Whisper. Sounds Native American. But in any case, congrats on being a proud new parent
