[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Don't do it. The kids would have a wonderful, well meaning parent but they would have only one parent who works full time and who has a natural child. (Your child becomes the sibling don't forget. It's not just about you.) Human nature being what it is, they would have some likely difficulties with your biological child. And it will take time away from that child who needs you to fill the role of the other parent. Add to that homeschooling? No way. I love the generousity that makes you consider it, but in reality, I think it would be a big mistake.

The only way it would be even somewhat okay is if you become a foster parent and make that your full-time job. Look into it. It pays quite well in most states. That way you could be at home with all the kids. The difficulties and baggage these children come with can be overwhelming. If you aren't always there, you leave your own child there to face it alone. She is probably nowhere near equipped to handle the situation.

[sweetliberty]

My own daughter is 27 and thinks it's a great idea, so I don't have any children at home. Also, I work for CPS, so I cannot be a foster parent. It is considered a conflict of interests. And you are sadly misinformed about what foster parents "make." Here, the board payment is $400 - $450 a month per child, depending on the age of the child, and the foster parent must have an independent source of income. Privately contracted therapeutic foster parents are compensated at a significantly higher rate, but they are dealing with children with more severe problems that require a great deal of time and energy and are only allowed to take one or two kids at a time in most cases, and one of them has to be home/available all the time.

[after dark]

If she fosters this child, she will absolutely be required to use the public system ,and a social worker will be the ultimate authority on what happens to the child. Schools make extra money giving children phony labels. Foster children ,who are seen as protector less, receive more than their fair share of abuse by teachers and students. Were this woman to voice disapproval on how her foster child was being treated , the state would just put the child someone who did care.


Sweetliberty, I think you should adopt the child now. She is young enough to grow on your older child. Most small towns have homeschool associations. Because socialization issues you may be able to team with a family of a child the same age. Because of your compassionate and thoughtful post ,I can tell you would be great for the child. The child will face an uncertain future if the child is placed foster care. God bless you and God bless the little child!