Questions about becoming foster parents

[Sunrise]

My husband and I have been thinking about becoming foster parents and have a million questions going through our heads. We haven't met with anyone yet, but we have got the information packages.

If anyone can answer these, I would appreciate it:

1. Are there different agencies that oversee people as foster parents or just WAYS?

2. Can you request certain age groups? The reason why I ask is that I have a neck injury and I can't really lift my own daughter who is just under 24lbs... so I would prefer a child lighter as I wouldn't have a problem lifting them.

3. How long does the process take? The package makes it seem "too easy" to become a foster parent - so I am assuming that it's not as easy as we expect.

[Leslie]

Hi Alesha,

There are several different agencies that provide foster care services in the London and surronding area. There is the Children's Aid Society, Ways, and I believe there may be more but those are the two that I'm familiar with.

You can select what age groups you are most willing to work with. If your neck injury could be a problem then you might request infants or children 3+ that don't need to be lifted.

It take anywhere from 6-12 months to become a foster parent. Once you call in to inquire about the process you will have a home visit done, be provided with paperwork and if they think you would be a good candidate then you would be invited to the 9 week PRIDE training sessions. You would be assigned a homestudy worker who would begin your home visits. Both partners must attend all sessions and home visits in order to be approved.

This information is provided based on my experience with the London Children's Aid Society and the process may be different for other agencies who I'm sure would be happy to share their process with you if gave them a call!