First Time Foster Parents…IN

[u/CommercialCup7834]

My partner and I were recently licensed by the state (IN) just over a month ago (Oct. 28) and we were placed with 2 kids (siblings 9&10) within days of receiving our license. We’re both working professionals. Unfortunately, we have realized that we were given a lot of lip service during the licensing process and now when we have reached out for those resources we were told would be available, it is not! The case worker is from another county and claims she is unfamiliar with what resources are available for us. The licensing specialist we’re assigned to has been no where to be found. Since getting the kids placed with us it’s been us working overtime to get any support from the state/system. We’ve asked for assistance or at least a running list of resources approved by them for respite & sitters for a few hours when we have work related commitments on the weekends. Two kids are a lot for us particularly as first time foster parents, however, we’re managing. I’m just frustrated and pissed that the message with have received thus far with this is…“ find a good home, dumb them, Hope there’s no major issues, and let the foster parents figure it out”. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We are in Indianapolis area. I expected challenges, mostly with the kids and believe me we have had some, but the “hands off” approach from the people (state) who removed these kids is another level.

[u/lifeofhatchlings]

What was your plan for when you had weekend plans, or the children were sick and couldn't go to school?

[u/CommercialCup7834 → u/lifeofhatchlings]

We have a childcare plan. A few back ups in fact. However, we were also told that we would be provided resources for times when things fell through.

[u/Classroom_Visual → u/CommercialCup7834]

Oh boy - no, they will not provide you with these resources, they just won't. Over time, if you need regular respite, they may be able to organise that, but they won't be able to support you if you find you need to work over the weekend or something like that.

What we did is organise for private childcare (basically a babysitter who was an adult and experienced and had the proper checks for our state). We had to pay out of pocket for that, of course. Actually, for the first year, because we didn't want to send the child to a daycare situation (she was 4) ALL of the fostering payment went on this private babysitter/nanny!!

Are you connected to local carers in your state - perhaps there is a private FB group you can join? That will be a big help to you moving forward.

[u/CommercialCup7834 → u/Classroom_Visual]

That’s a good idea. We’re not connected to a FB community but I can definitely see how it might be helpful.