I really should just be thankful that my phone isn't ringing off the hook because there are so many kids in care. It was just such a hurry and wait, I didn't expect to go 3 weeks without a placement. On multiple local(ish) Facebook placement groups I've been letting them know I'm available if they have kiddos that are available to get placed out of the area. It's not too common that they're placed 2-3 hours away from family, but in some circumstances they are.
I'm also limiting myself by taking kids only in the range of 2-6... But I see kids in these Facebook groups needing placement. It's the one time I've hating living in a rural location. Guarantee I could have a placement if I lived further north or even along the I-5 corridor.
I'm finding that the foster system is a lot like the education system. It's not really set up for ease of access or success. I'm still new in foster so I don't want to say that it's broken, but I know there are many current and ex foster parents who would say that it is. Just like teachers (especially special education teachers), case workers have caseloads are far too big to manage efficiently and make sure that the kid's needs are being met. Obviously this isn't coming from experience, this is coming from reading other blogs, and speaking with fellow foster parents at training classes.
Different than the education system, the state provides FREE training for foster parents. I wish that the CEU's that were required to keep my teaching license up to date were free. I may be a millionaire if that were the case. I also learned yesterday that once you are a foster parent, even if you adopt, you can continue attending classes at no charge. NEATO!
Anyway, this vent session is over. I hope my next post is for welcoming a new kiddo. Cross your fingers for me!
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