What are the rules in Michigan for being a foster parent?
Q. I'm just starting the process to become a foster parent, I've done orientation and now I'm just waiting until the start of the year for training classes to start. Questions if anyone knows? I only have one open room and I wanted to care for one or two kids, but thought if a sibling group of three needed a place I would foster them if they let me. Would one large bedroom be enough for 3 young kids? Or could I only take in up to two children?
The SW that did the orientation said we could tell them what age ranges we where open to fostering but someone said even if you do the SW doesn't pay much attention to it. I wanted to foster ages 1-6 will that be possible or am I just dreaming to think that?
Side note* I'm only in my early 20's and I don't think it would be best for me to foster kids who where born when I wasn't even old enough to drive.
Also is it better to work with DHS or a private non-profit agency? Someone told me DHS places more children and thus you are more likely to get placed with "legal risk" placements and younger children then if you go through the private agency. Is that true?
Thanks in advance for your help!
The SW that did the orientation said we could tell them what age ranges we where open to fostering but someone said even if you do the SW doesn't pay much attention to it. I wanted to foster ages 1-6 will that be possible or am I just dreaming to think that?
Side note* I'm only in my early 20's and I don't think it would be best for me to foster kids who where born when I wasn't even old enough to drive.
Also is it better to work with DHS or a private non-profit agency? Someone told me DHS places more children and thus you are more likely to get placed with "legal risk" placements and younger children then if you go through the private agency. Is that true?
Thanks in advance for your help!
A. *Hey Arabella! (love your name btw) First of all I just wanted to say it is awesome that you are thinking about doing this at such a young age, esp. since Michigan needs foster parents so badly.*
About your questions, I'm kind of worried about the fact that all of them where not answered in the orientation by the social worker. That, in my opinion, is a sign that the agency might not be the best one for you as you should always have that information up front. My advice is to look for another agency first and go to their orientation to see if it looks like a better fit.
Now to answer a few of your questions! If all three children are the same gender or they are all under the age of five then yes you might be licensed for up to three children but it is more likely that you will be licensed for two. Their is a myth floating around somewhere that agencies are only looking for foster parents to foster large sibling groups and that is not true. I know some agencies that will only let you foster one child for your first year and then if they think you can handle more will let you foster two. If an agency claims other wise, this is Michigan specific, run to another one and don't waste time with them. New foster parents, single ones esp., should never feel pressured into taking on more than they are experienced to handle. Personally I suggest you start fostering one child and after you have your feet under you then open home to a second child.
It is true that you will probably get calls for children that are not in the age range you requested from time to time more so if you use DHS than a non-profit agency. This is because it is the social workers job to find a good stable home for EVERY child that gets taken out of their home and it is harder to find foster parents for older children than younger ones. So yes you may get called to foster an older child than you requested but you are never obligated to foster any child. But my suggestion is not to automatically say no to a child slightly older than what you originally thought you would, if the social worker is calling you to ask you to foster them she probably has a good reason to think you would be a good parent to that child. Just hear the social worker out before you say no.
Michigan does do "legal risk" placements but that doesn't mean that child will 100% become adoptable. A mother who signed over her first five children may decide with her sixth child that she is ready to make big changes in her life and might work her plan to the T to get him or her back. Or a relative from out of state might decide at the "last minute" that they want to adopt. On the flip side you might think a child is for sure going home soon because his father is right on track with his plan then you get a call saying he messed up big or is in jail and his rights will be terminated at the end of the month and your foster child will become adoptable. Your best bet is to become dual licensed and with every foster child assume they will be able to be reunified with their parents or a family member and hope that one day if that doesn't happen you will be able to adopt them and continue to provide a loving home.
Good luck and I wish you the best!
About your questions, I'm kind of worried about the fact that all of them where not answered in the orientation by the social worker. That, in my opinion, is a sign that the agency might not be the best one for you as you should always have that information up front. My advice is to look for another agency first and go to their orientation to see if it looks like a better fit.
Now to answer a few of your questions! If all three children are the same gender or they are all under the age of five then yes you might be licensed for up to three children but it is more likely that you will be licensed for two. Their is a myth floating around somewhere that agencies are only looking for foster parents to foster large sibling groups and that is not true. I know some agencies that will only let you foster one child for your first year and then if they think you can handle more will let you foster two. If an agency claims other wise, this is Michigan specific, run to another one and don't waste time with them. New foster parents, single ones esp., should never feel pressured into taking on more than they are experienced to handle. Personally I suggest you start fostering one child and after you have your feet under you then open home to a second child.
It is true that you will probably get calls for children that are not in the age range you requested from time to time more so if you use DHS than a non-profit agency. This is because it is the social workers job to find a good stable home for EVERY child that gets taken out of their home and it is harder to find foster parents for older children than younger ones. So yes you may get called to foster an older child than you requested but you are never obligated to foster any child. But my suggestion is not to automatically say no to a child slightly older than what you originally thought you would, if the social worker is calling you to ask you to foster them she probably has a good reason to think you would be a good parent to that child. Just hear the social worker out before you say no.
Michigan does do "legal risk" placements but that doesn't mean that child will 100% become adoptable. A mother who signed over her first five children may decide with her sixth child that she is ready to make big changes in her life and might work her plan to the T to get him or her back. Or a relative from out of state might decide at the "last minute" that they want to adopt. On the flip side you might think a child is for sure going home soon because his father is right on track with his plan then you get a call saying he messed up big or is in jail and his rights will be terminated at the end of the month and your foster child will become adoptable. Your best bet is to become dual licensed and with every foster child assume they will be able to be reunified with their parents or a family member and hope that one day if that doesn't happen you will be able to adopt them and continue to provide a loving home.
Good luck and I wish you the best!
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Title Post: What are the rules in Michigan for being a foster parent?
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