tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7267419434495757663.post8236473054094916954..comments2022-02-28T05:13:44.096-08:00Comments on Fostering Thrifty Families: From the Reader Mail Bag: "How Does A Foster Family Afford to Keep A Spare Room?"Teehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00720861485838984154noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7267419434495757663.post-23026889910486589302011-10-27T20:13:16.582-07:002011-10-27T20:13:16.582-07:00In terms of paying for the extra room, me and anot...In terms of paying for the extra room, me and another single waiting parent who are overhoused (each of us in two bedrooms) came up with a lot of schemes to pay the extra rent: becoming regular respite care providers, using the extra room as an office for short-term contracts. At one point, she was going to move into my extra room so we could both save money, with the understanding that she would move out again when I got a placement. Since we are in the adoption program rather than fostering, it would have been reasonable to expect a couple weeks to get our living arrangements sorted out. I understand in the foster program, though, there isn't a lot of notice, so the flexible roommate might not be an option for the second room, but could be an option for the third room.Qhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10797314448223561345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7267419434495757663.post-47635398687305054542011-10-27T15:09:45.868-07:002011-10-27T15:09:45.868-07:00As an ex-DCFS caseworker, one thing I noticed was ...As an ex-DCFS caseworker, one thing I noticed was that the person in charge of "placing" children would get used to certain families, agencies, etc. If you licensed through an agency, don't be afraid to call them and let them know you are ready for kids! Also, you can absolutely call DCFS directly and ask to speak with who is in charge of placing new wards, (especially if you are licensed through them) and say "Hey, we're here :)" Don't be afraid to be vocal... Our placement caseworker was really nice and great at what she did, but like with all things she would get complacent and habit had her going back to the same "good" families that she knew she could trust :) Hope that helps!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01204165336026137996noreply@blogger.com