Different Levels of Needs in Foster Care

I have told you already that you can break down your preferences for which children you want to bring into your home.  You can choose the age, sex, and number of children.  One thing you need to consider before you get licensed is the level of needs of the child. 

If you are scratching your head, let me explain it better.  When licensing you fill out a form that has a BUNCH of different scenarios.  It reads like this:

Would you foster a child that:

• Has been sexually abused
• Has a g-tube
• Has learning disabilities
• Has placed in the autistic spectrum
• Displays aggressive behavior
• Requires medical suction
• Bangs their head
• Has a history of self-abuse
• Requires a respirator

There are pages and pages.  These are just some of the examples I remember.  They even had a question that asked if you were willing to foster a child that is an overachiever and excels at school.  I think they just threw that one in there to make sure you were actually reading them. 

You circle the ones you feel comfortable with or know you could handle with proper assistance.  I say proper assistance because sometimes children will come with nurse or medical services to assist you with their care. 

This is where you really have to look at your own capabilities, not just your heart.  You need to actually say what you can handle.  You have to look at your house and see if it is handicap accessible or can be easily modified.  All of this is not just for your sake, but for your family and the foster child. 

There is never, ever judgment.  I have already shared how we could not take the placement of a young girl that was sexually abused and displayed strong sexual behavior.  You know what works best for you and your family.