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Experiences on respite parenting or respite parents?
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<blockquote data-quote="DDD" data-source="post: 596201" data-attributes="member: 35"><p>I don't have experience in providing respite nor do I have any experience in fostering. on the other hand, due to my volunteer work as a child advocate through the Courts (GAL) and as a human rights advocate on a State level I feel well informed. Personally I could not do it. Children in need (including teens) are drawn to me like magnets and I totally know that even as a GAL it was often difficult to drive away after visiting for four hours or so with the child. Most of "my" Court kids were not physically abused but were living with instability. Many asked if they could "come visit at my house" or if I "could come to their school programs" or sometimes if I would buy them some new clothes or toys. For me it was stressful.</p><p></p><p>on the other hand I came to know two ladies who were foster parents and trained respite providers for years and years. Like me they had children of their own but somehow they opened their doors for unknown children on a regular basis and their point of view (which I greatly admired) was that they would provide the best care they could whether for a weekend or for years as the situation dictated.</p><p></p><p>Just as most churches encourage I believe there is a need for indepth "self examination" before making this form of decision. It "sounds like" a short term act of Christian charity. Often there are longer term ramifications. Many of the kids have issues that are not readily recognizable, require very diligent oversight and in a smaller community end up having overlaps with caregivers. I suggest that you and husband give alot of thought before making a decision. Hugs DDD</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="DDD, post: 596201, member: 35"] I don't have experience in providing respite nor do I have any experience in fostering. on the other hand, due to my volunteer work as a child advocate through the Courts (GAL) and as a human rights advocate on a State level I feel well informed. Personally I could not do it. Children in need (including teens) are drawn to me like magnets and I totally know that even as a GAL it was often difficult to drive away after visiting for four hours or so with the child. Most of "my" Court kids were not physically abused but were living with instability. Many asked if they could "come visit at my house" or if I "could come to their school programs" or sometimes if I would buy them some new clothes or toys. For me it was stressful. on the other hand I came to know two ladies who were foster parents and trained respite providers for years and years. Like me they had children of their own but somehow they opened their doors for unknown children on a regular basis and their point of view (which I greatly admired) was that they would provide the best care they could whether for a weekend or for years as the situation dictated. Just as most churches encourage I believe there is a need for indepth "self examination" before making this form of decision. It "sounds like" a short term act of Christian charity. Often there are longer term ramifications. Many of the kids have issues that are not readily recognizable, require very diligent oversight and in a smaller community end up having overlaps with caregivers. I suggest that you and husband give alot of thought before making a decision. Hugs DDD [/QUOTE]
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