There are many myths about becoming an adoptive, or foster parent. Myths that might prevent some people from even considering it. In this week's "Monday's Child" we hear from an expert to set the record straight.
"They have to be married, they have to have their own home, they have to be of a certain income level, these are not necessarily true scenerio's." Wanda Lamb is a senior social worker and recruitment coordinator with Shasta County Children and Family Services. She says there are a lot of misconceptions about just who can foster and adopt children. And, about the children themselves,"They didn't break any rules or laws. They are the victims of a situation. And we have to figure out at some juncture what's in the best interest of a child for permanency."
Adoptive parents can be single, they can be widowed, and while they must be able to provide for themselves and their existing family ... they don't have to be rich. For those considering adoption, there's a whole process to help answer questions and make important decisions. It starts with a simple inquiry meeting, and there is plenty of help along the way. "We introduce to other families, have mentors, trainers ... they can connect to kind of talk about the "what ifs."
It's a process that takes time, so if you're even thinking about adopting...don't wait to get started. "Statistically takes people anywhere from three to five years once introduced to concept of foster care or adopting to finally step forward and say I'm ready to make that move." once you've been cleared to move forward, you can wait until you're ready to be matched with a child, "but know that there's help, people with compassion energy and willingness to help you move through without questioning why would you want to do this. We say isn't this magnificent...and why not?"
Shasta county holds inquiry meetings on the first Wednesday and Third Tuesday of each month. ###
