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Post by daddycool on Aug 11, 2007 18:45:43 GMT 10
Hi everyone
I am not sure of my chances given that I already have three special needs girls but I am interested in permanent care. Only it appears the criteria may be out of our reach. I notice they want a medical and while I am in excellent health my hubby has menieres syndrome (dizziness int he inner ear) and as a result is on the pension. Obviously that doesn't make us overly financial although we have plenty of love and care and support to give.
anyone know what our chances would be?
also is there an age limit? I'm 35 but hubby is 50.
Thanks heaps Rachel PS I'm in Vic
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Post by chinababe on Aug 11, 2007 21:07:48 GMT 10
HI Rachel, I can answer this one as I attended a Information session today that focused on ICA (inter-country adoption) and being a waiting parent. (yes I am in vic as well)
There is no formal age restriction with PC - today I learnt about a child that was placed with a SINGLE WOMAN PARENT AT THE AGE OF 60. She had foster care of her and then moved into a PC arrangement because the department recognised they needed to do what was best for the child, Basically they knew it would create trauma for the child to be moved to another carer. The department/services will do additional things over the coming years to deal with the age issues. I'm less sure about the medical issues but you might find they are more open and flexible with this than you think. I guess the real question is what sort of income you have ........i.e. do you work that sort of stuff.
Also remember with PC in victoria there is also finical assistance that can be accessed for the parents/child depending on the families income.
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Post by daddycool on Aug 12, 2007 14:32:23 GMT 10
Thanks so much for your input and help. that gives me a lot more hope. We don't have a big income I am on the carer payment and hubby on DSP, but it all amounts to about 40,000 a year with all other payments. we do live quite comfortably and the girls have all their needs met. Does it go against you if you are on centrelink? It would be a shame if it did as I really believe that we can make a difference in someones life, it would be such a joy to have another child that we can love, support and encourage. I just feel we have so much to give. Our family unit is very stable and it would be wonderful to Share that with someone else... hope that doesn't sound too corny!!! Thanks again Rachel
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Post by daddycool on Aug 12, 2007 15:04:48 GMT 10
Oh and one other question I noticed someone was turned down because of their weight, I'm no skinny minny!!! I'm 100 kilos at 5 11 but am engaging in a weight loss program. Is it likely I'll be turned down on my weight? Does any one know the critera there? Is it better for me to lose some weight before applying? Thanks again Rachel
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Post by flossyinoz on Aug 13, 2007 12:05:08 GMT 10
Hi Rachel,
They are relatively flexible in permanent care and it will depend on the social workers in the region you are in what applies. I don't think that centre link would speak against you as long as all kids have their needs met, and more important are probably the emotional ones.
Regarding the weight there is also no formal weight criterium but your weight should not endanger your health. Regarding your hubby's health I am not sure what implications his illness has. The argument which may speak against you is that you already have 3 special needs children and they may say you are not able to dedicate enough time and love to the pc child.
I would suggest contact your region for the next pc information night and just ask all the questions you have. Normally the social workers are really helpful and open and they can tell you if they think there would be any issues with you application.
Cheers
Flossyinoz
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Post by daddycool on Aug 13, 2007 22:54:46 GMT 10
Hi Flossy, Thanks heaps for your response. I've called for a Foster care pack and will read up on it all. Then apparently someone will contact me and I will discuss the issues at hand. The thing about our family is that we are very different to many others in our situation. I do see the argument of dedication of time though given that I also HS my eldest but even with that our lives are very flexible. All we can do is investigate if it doesn't work out thats fine, but at least its worth trying and given that foster care has been on our hearts for some time we would like to see what would happen if we applied. They can only say no Anyway thanks again! Rachel
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Post by flossyinoz on Aug 14, 2007 16:58:46 GMT 10
Rachel,
It is great that your family with the obvious obstacles you have, selflessly want to take on another child.
You have obviously asked for Foster Care which is supposed to be more short term (often is a lot longer than anticipated). Permanent Care is different in that it is permanent by court order, kids coming from the foster care system and family situations could not be reconciled, so they are placed in a stable long term home. But you can ask all the differences and what would make sense in your case when they contact you. They definitely need more dedicated foster carers.
I assume HS is homeschooling and I would see that more positively than negatively, mys sister in law does it for her 3 kids and they learn a lot more than at school and have more free time as well.
Flossyinoz
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Post by daddycool on Aug 17, 2007 14:17:25 GMT 10
Thanks Flossy! I will ask about every option! Yes we do HS one of our girls f/t and two p/t and its great!!! They are awesome kids! I was thinking maybe to start with we could do the short term fostering and also register interest in PC.... anyway lets see what happens we can only try hey I realized the other night we've probably been fostering unofficially over the years having young people stay in our home when their families have been in crisis. With my girls all three are onthe spectrum BUT honestly I'm pretty blessed with them they are now fairly independent have great senses of humor and really are generally well mannered happy kids. Anyway better get back to the tribe, but thanks for your help! Rachel
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