To Foster/Adopt... THAT is the question...

I was given pamphlets from DHS to hand out to my friends. Quite frankly, I think the pamphlet is utterly terrifying. It basically lists all the worst case scenarios and solidifies every stereotypical horror belief potential parents face. SOOO... meet MY FOSTER/ADOPTION pamplet!

SINGLE women! You can be a foster/adoptive parent! If you work outside the home, DHS helps with childcare costs.

Grandmas and Grandpas! YOU can be a foster/adoptive parents! People always tell me, "I would have LOVED to do that. Now I'm probably too old, huh?" NO. Find a new excuse.

IMPERFECT people! YOU can be foster/adoptive parents. Oh my gosh! You have BAD days where you are stressed and fail to be super mom or dad?? You lock yourself in the bathroom and scream into your hair dryer? You hide in your closet to escape your OWN children and engage in silent chanting. You randomly suffer from bouts of hormone imbalance and/or psycho-ness. Welcome. to. the. club. (If you AREN'T doing this- you really aren't stretching yourself enough).

FACT: Foster families are OVERFLOWING with children. To the point that many children are being placed in shelters and institutions because there is no family to take them. And I thought this was only teens (which is bad enough) but even very young children are growing up without family environments.

FACT: Some of the kids are nuts! And some kids will think YOU'RE nuts! Your family will NOT be suited for them or them for you. (And if this occurs; NOT a problem. Social workers will find a family more suitable for them and children more suitable for you).

FACT: Some children will come into your home and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. (And for the record, that's been the majority of my experience). And you'll never want to let them go. Lucky for you some will become adoptable and because you are the foster parent, you get first option to adopt if no family placements can be made. And sometimes you won't get to adopt them. This has happened to me more than once. BUT God has a plan for the children and for each of US. And I have faith that God's will be done.

TERRIFYING RUMOR: DHS places WHOEVER the heck they want to in your home and you DEAL with it.

FACT: Every time a child comes into custody, the social worker can NOT leave his/her office until they have a place for that child to sleep that night. The SW sits at the computer for HOURS and starts calling foster parents. If you receive a call, you may accept the placement or refuse. Simple as that. I highly recommend a "Let me talk to my husband and I'll call you right back." At which point your husband and you kneel down and PRAY to know if the child/children should come to your home or not. (Once God says okay- I'm all in. And I've never been lead astray).

RUMOR: You HAVE to be a foster parent to adopt. Not always. Though you go through almost the same training, you can sometimes get a lawyer and bypass DHS and NOT have to foster. BUT, if you are a licensed foster parent JUST in case you MIGHT want to adopt at some point in your life... your life will be TEN TIMES easier when you decide to adopt. (It can take MONTHS and MONTHS to get licensed or to get approved for adoption). So don't procrastinate! Get licensed and say NO to all calls until you are ready to say YES!

Because I only have 3 foster babies right now; and I am OVER my limit for taking in more, I feel a VOID: I could be doing MORE! So, because several people have been messaging me about adoption and/or foster care... I've decided to give you a random sample of some of the kids that are in US states' custody (and these kids can be adopted by anyone in the US unless specifically stated otherwise).

Many states, MS included, do not participate in the "Heart Gallery." So it is difficult to know, if you are not currently licensed, who NEEDS you. BUT, there are endless children coming in everyday. I get calls for newborn babies right out of the hospital all the way to 18 year olds. I obviously can't take every child into my home. THAT's where I HOPE you will come in.

MY TESTIMONIAL:

I live by a simple, but firm belief. "To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required."  And most of us are SO blessed. When you look at your family, ask yourself- "What could our family offer to an orphaned or homeless child?" And God will fill your head with BOO-KOO-DOLLS of things.

It is my hope to one day give a child a forever home. As soon as God gives me a yes. (Because I kind of beg Him for almost every child He sends to my home). But until then, I refuse to be discouraged. I have thought, "WHY do I foster? Especially if the child ends up going to live with someone I don't approve of or back into the SAME situation she/he just came out of?" I got my answer one night when it was time for scriptures and prayers and my foster baby, only in my home for three days asked to say the prayer. He prayed his little heart out. I realized that if the ONLY thing I do while a child is in my home is help him/her realize he/she is a Child of God and is LOVED and SPECIAL and can PRAY anytime, anywhere, then my labors are not in vain. Every child I've been blessed to foster has grown leaps and bounds in behavior, in learning, in happiness. And most importantly in understanding the lifeline of prayer.

I have been plagued with moments of complete self doubt, but God magnifies those willing to serve. It's a faith thing. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun, but it has ALWAYS been worth it. ALWAYS.

Lets meet some KIDS!

There are TEENS! LOTS of teens! And guess what?! They are NOT all deranged juvenile delinquents. There are some amazing teens that would make amazing sons and daughters! 

All of these children have BEAUTIFUL pictures that you can view at the website listed here:

http://adoptuskids.org/meet-the-children/state-photolists

(For child's safety, and my lack of hacking skills, I canNOT get the little darling's pictures to SHOW up on my blog! Blocked content).

MEET Romelle

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AZ01564 (THIS is his state and case number)

Photo Updated:

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Romelle - Male, age 15

About Romelle

Romelle is a bright energetic boy with a charismatic sense of humor. He has a great smile and big brown eyes. Romelle does very well in school and is very proud of receiving the Principal’s award for getting straight A’s for the entire school year. When asked who his favorite teacher is, he names all of his teachers and cannot determine which teacher is his favorite. Two of his best friends are gold fish named Mr. and Mrs. Bubbles. When Romelle gets older he would like to be a veterinarian or serve his country in the military.
Romelle is in need of a permanent adoptive home that will provide flexibility and consistency. He would like a family with several family pets. Romelle would also like a family that will continue to support contact with his older brother. 

DIRECT LINK: http://www.adoptuskids.org/_app/child/ChildViewNoBanner.aspx?id=34376&sid=17

MEET Andrew

AZ01673

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Andrew - Male, age 17

About Andrew

Andrew "Andy" is a very active and athletic young man. He is able to take advice from authority figures and desires to improve his character. He enjoys riding bikes, working outside, helping care for animals, and playing video games. Andy recently asked his foster parents for a new pair of cowboy boots so that he could dress like a ranch hand. 

Andy's favorite subjects in school include; science and social studies. When Andy was asked what the perfect family would look like, Andy reported, "a family with a mom and dad, a nice home with his own bedroom, and to be able to visit with his siblings." Andy has three siblings who are very important to him so it is necessary to ensure that contact between them is maintained.

Andy has been able to make some significant bonds with his current foster family. Andy needs structure and consistency to allow him to reach his full potential. Andy would like to be in a home that, "allows him to have fun, likes to go places, and spends a lot of time outdoors." Could you be the family that Andy is looking for?

MEET Kanin

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AZ01583

PhotoUpdated:

04/26/12

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Kanin - Male, age 14

About Kanin

A few words to describe Kanin are energetic, comedic, and an animal lover. When you first meet Kanin you will quickly see his bubbly personality come out. Kanin is quite a comedian and loves telling jokes of all sorts. 

Kanin is an avid movie-goer and Star Wars, Batman, and Spiderman are just a few of his favorites. Kanin will be quick to quiz you on his favorite Star Wars characters and bring out his action figures. He has every one, from Luke Skywalker to Princess Leia. Kanin also enjoys playing video games. When he takes a break from his games and movies, Kanin enjoys sitting down and drawing his favorite characters. 

Kanin is a very intelligent young man. Kanin reports that his favorite classes are science and weight lifting. He also loves learning about Greek Mythology. 

I'm having a really hard time just picking a FEW! I may have to do more than ONE of these. I'm only looking at Arizona's website! Forty-nine more to go...

Here is a cutie from Alabama! Direct link: http://www.heartgalleryalabama.com/children/children_details.php?id=741

LaRaymaun 6 yrs Photographed by Admoni Photography LaRaymaun,born April 2008, is a very energetic and loveable child. He enjoys playing with his trucks and riding his bike. He also enjoys drawing and coloring. His favorite subject is Math. The numbers and dynamics of Math seem to capture his attention. He is also eager to learn. He will usually ask questions when he lacks understanding. There have been few occasions that he has gotten into trouble with other kids at school. LaRaymaun has a hearty appetite and is not a picky eater. He is usually shy when he first meets someone but will warm up and talk to them. He enjoys attention and positive feedback. He is currently adjusting to being in "real school." He is learning more structure as compared to the past two years in day care and has had some difficulty in the transition. LaRaymaun is tenacious and has really good coping skills. He has faced many losses at an early age but continues to strive and thrive. He is a joy to those he comes in contact with.

There are SIBLING groups! (And they are so stinkin' CUTE!!) Sometimes sibling groups can be broken up and sometimes they must stay together.

https://dhs.arkansas.gov/dcfs/heartgallery/results1.asp

Whatever state YOU are IN, there are KIDS that need to be adopted!! (And if you can't find them- pick another STATE! Or ask me. I'll find out for you)! There are also girls! I just, apparently, overloaded this blog with boys. I challenge you, if you have felt ANY tugging on your heart strings to pray to see if you may be underutilized right now in your life. You may have the world to offer a child and vice-versa.

I know Fostering and Adoption isn't for everyone. But for SOMEONE out there, it IS and you need a little push to get started! I'm at your service! (Even though I'll be learning alongside you).

Good luck with the battle of the conscious vs the comfortable! You know which side I'll be cheering for!