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Friday, November 19, 2010

Big decision made...big changes coming...

For the past few weeks Kent and I have done A LOT of talking, thinking and praying about whether or not we should become foster parents again. We did the foster parent thing about 7 years ago...we did it from 2002-2003 for about 1 1/2 years. We liked the fostering part, but the agency we were with was awful so that is why we stopped all those years ago.

In my sewing group there are about 2 or 3 ladies in there that are foster mom's. In listening to them about how there is such a HUGE need for foster parents (especially right now) as there is a minimum of 5 babies A DAY being dropped off or taken from there families right now...and that is just the babies let alone all the other kids. Holding those babies that they had there and knowing in my heart this is something I would like to get back into...was a pretty easy decision really. Kent jumped on board as well and didn't even bat an eye.

We start our pre-service training on Saturday. There is A LOT of training you have to do before you can become a foster parent...they are like parenting courses really. We have to have 36 hours of this training started before we can become licensed foster parents. PLUS we have to get all this other stuff done and together...LOT'S of work...but VERY worth it in the end. Our agency Enviros said they are hoping to have all of our training done before Christmas as there is another big boom of kids usually around that time as well...so, so sad!! 

A couple of months ago we got rid of all of our baby stuff and bunk beds and what not...now I am needing it all again....CRRRAAAAPPPP!! Oh well, I have been offered lot's of baby clothes so that will be a good start. We aren't just planning on doing babies...we said we would also take full time school age kids from 5-12 years old. So we shall see what happens.

So we are getting our list slowly crossed off that we are required to do:


1. Enviros Application Form
2. Drivers abstract
3. First Aid Course
4. Medical Reference
5. Confirmation of Home Ins.
6. Intervention Record check
7. 3 personal references 
8. Criminal record checks

We still have 6 more things to accomplish before we can get licensed...so we are getting there....it is a good start!

3 comments:

Gayla Woolf Holt said...

Well good for you guys!! You have lots of love to give and those children deserve a foster home like yours...full of love and goodness. Bless you for wanting to help other children. Love you both very much.
Are the boys in on this decision?

Barb Stanford said...

BARB AND KENT

CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR DECISION TO BE FOSTER PARENTS
THOSE KIDS NEED STABLE, LOVING HOMES SO BADLY AFTER WHAT THEY HAVE WITNESSED IN THEIR LITTLE LIVES AND THE 5-12 NEED EVEN MORE SO AS THEY HAD IT EVEN LONGER ALL THE ABUSE AND CRAP.HAVING GOD ON YOUR SIDE AND YOUR CHURCH ENCOURAGES SO MUCH FOR FAMILIY LIFE.

LOVE
TANYA
MS.TE GOOD

Lynn said...

You two are the most amazing and giving people ever! My parents were foster parents for years as you know. And I know first hand what a lot of work it takes, not to mention mental and emotional strength. Any child that comes to your home will be SO blessed. Two of my nieces and one nephew are now in foster homes. All three in three different homes due to shortage of homes and space available. So sad, that they had to be split up.

I commend you immensely for this major decision.