Foster care for a friend's kids
Back story.
We have a friend who is having troubles keeping her life together. I'm not aware of all the issues. However, they include an abusive husband (who has now been kicked out), financial troubles, and probably no shortage of poor life decisions on her part. We've heard through the grape-vine that her children may be removed from the house by the state.
At the same time (but until today entirely unrelated), my wife and I have been considering Adoption/Foster care. I've not been a fan of foster care (preferring adoption), but would be willing to make an exception in the case of helping out a friend. Losing your dad, and then your mom (even temporarily) is bad enough. At least staying with someone you know is better than with a complete stranger.
The question
Assuming the kids will be put in to foster care for some period of time, how would (or could) this work? Does the system consider a friend offering to take them in?
I'll try to answer any clarifying questions I can, but at the moment this is theoretical (rumor).
Clarifying facts:
We are in the US.
(3)3 Comments
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Are you close enough with your friend to talk with them directly and ask them if they would like the help? I do not have personal experience, but I have a few good friends whose parents often would take in young people for short (or long) periods of time, always peers and/or friends of their own children. My friend Chris received a new roommate ("Sam") just a few weeks ago after a conversation his mother had with Sam's mother. I can understand how this could potentially feel like a difficult/impossible conversation to have, but if it is possible, it might be the clearest way.
I've been a foster parent for over 10 years. Get certified/licensed in your jurisdiction. Once that happens, you would be given first priority for placement of your friends children because of your familiarity with the children. Of course jurisdictions differ from location to location but the general rule is do right by the kids.
Being a foster parent has been a rewarding experience and always remember there are so many kids who need placements. Every foster parent makes a difference!
Experience: former foster parent (certified in CA)
At least in my state, friends and family are considered first, and are not required to be officially certified (in fact, to my knowledge, many rules that apply to official foster parents do not apply to them). If you talk with the social worker for your friend, you should be able to put yourself in line to have the children placed with you.
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