RSS
Home
Adopting a foster child
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Mal, age 8, adopted as a 6 year old out of foster care.
Photo by Morgan Sampson.
Room for one more? Don't let the paperwork scare you. Spokane has a great need for loving, committed families.
In times of economic turn down, there is one investment that continues to provide an excellent return--the foster or adoption of a child. In 2006 alone, it was estimated that more than 500,000 children were in the US foster care system. In Spokane, it is not uncommon for requests for placement to exceed available beds, sometimes more than 100 per day. If you have some time, and some room, this is one cause in which you can make a big difference. Preparing to adopt or foster a child can seem like an difficult and intrusive process at first, and indeed, there will be many forms to fill out, interviews to conduct, documents to gather and training to attend. But, if you take it one small step at a time, your efforts can have a monumental impact on the life of a child.
Getting started can be as easy as calling your local Department of Social and Health Services or a local adoption agency. There are several in the Spokane area. At DSHS, there are information sessions happening frequently and packets available that will give you a good overview of the process. Once you have decided to move forward, you will be signed up for specialized training that gives you a good idea of what to expect from kids that may be in your home.
If the long-term commitment of fostering or adopting might not be a good fit for you, there are other ways you can make a difference. The foster care system is always in need of volunteer drivers to take children to appointments and visitations with birth families, or you might consider getting certified for respite care. Respite care typically involves having children in your home for short periods of time, such as a weekend or a week at a time, to give foster parents much-needed downtime. And while the compensation allow you to live a lavish lifestyle, it is an adequate stipend that helps provide for the child's needs while in your home.
Despite popular myths, there are many healthy, young children in need of care, as well as wonderful and committed older kids. While all kids come with challenges, many of the kids in foster care have experienced chaos of some kind in their lives, so it is best to learn all you can about what to expect. Read Adopting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky.
For more info about getting involved call the Spokane Children's Administration at (509) 363-3550 or visit them online.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
.jpg)
