Do More: Foster Care

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to adopt or foster children. I would like to have one “of my own” because I think that would be a beautiful experience and I’d hate to miss it, but I know that there are so many amazing kids in the world just waiting for someone to open up their homes and lives to them.

Are you thinking, “I’m not ready to settle down and have kids?” Fear not! While looking around on Kids Matter Inc.’s website I learned about Respite Foster Care:

As defined by the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare (BMCW), “Respite care is alternative care with another licensed out-of-home care provider or BMCW-approved unlicensed provider. Respite care provides safe, temporary placement of a child overnight in a licensed foster home/approved unlicensed home.”

What an incredibly amazing way to support foster families. The way this was explained to me when I spoke to a case worker was:  a break for any reason for the families who provide service to kids. Example: Mary and Henry have opened their home for the last 20 years. They’ve had over 100 children stay with them. Henry needs to have back surgery and Mary would (like any loving wife) like to be at the hospital when Henry goes into and comes out of Surgery.

This is where Respite Foster Homes come in—they provide a safe place for these children to be while their longer term parents take care of themselves so they can continue providing care. It could be for a night or a weekend, or longer. You only have to take cases you can work into your schedule—there will be no one just showing up and dropping of a child at your house saying “Cancel your plans, this one is yours for the night!”

I have a lot of kids in my family, and they often come to stay the weekend. This is just as simple.

 

There are blue ribbons tied to trees in downtown Milwaukee to raise awareness of the dire need for foster parents—a constant reminder to myself that I can’t keep putting off the process. There’s not much I need to do. I need to (finally) get renters insurance, something I should have done over a year ago. I will need to reorganize my home so that a child coming to spend some time with me has a place to sleep comfortably and to put his or her things.  And if I decide to drive around with the child instead of take the bus, I’ll need to up my car insurance. Basically, they want me to be a mature adult and make a little room in my home and heart for a child in need—real simple.

Once I fully survive this summer- it’s on. I’ve already started the process. I have quotes out for renters insurance as we speak. I am looking forward to the opportunity to support foster families, and I think you should consider doing the same.

Want to get involved but just can’t make that big of a commitment? Check out all these different ways you can help.