Thinking of become Foster Parents (Johnson City, Kingsport: homes, elementary school, live in)

[DGDenton]

My husband and I have always wanted to be Foster parents. Now, we finally have a home big enough to take on additional children in need. The problem is we've heard there are government agencies and local personal owned agencies that you can choose from to become a foster parent through. Is this true? If so what's the difference between them? Also, does anyone have any recommendations? Is anyone on here a Foster parent or once was? Does anyone have any experiences or advice they would like to share? By the way, we live in the Kingsport area.

[JenninJC]

I work in the foster care system. There are 2 options for foster parents - you can foster for the DCS (Dept. of Children's Services), or for what we call a "contract agency" These are agencies the state contracts with to provide foster care and services to children/families.

The main differences:

DCS
-younger children - most of the younger children in the foster care system are placed in DCS foster homes. Also, these will be the "easy" children with less emotional/behavioral issues. You can still expect some, but not as serious.
-lower payments
-less training required

Agencies
-usually elementary school aged and up. These children are likely to be sibling groups or have some type of behavioral/emotional problems.
-the pay is higher, but you have tougher kids to work with
-more training required

If you choose DCS, you would call your local DCS office or 1-877-54-ABUSE for information.

As far as agenices, there are several in the area - Omni Visions, Traces, Holston Home, Youth Villages, Camelot, Freewill Baptist. None are really "better" than the other, it depends on who you click with. You may want to call around and find out which may be the best fit for you. I know Traces and Camelot have offices in Kingsport, Omni is in Jonesborough, Holston and Freewill are in Greeneville, and Youth Villages in Johnson City. But don't base your decison solely on that, because the workers for these agencies all travel within the region and like to have homes in any county.

Either route you choose, it is a very challenging but rewarding experience! Please let me know if you have further questions. I wish you the best of luck!