2:02:21 PM [Visitor] How many kids are currently in foster care?
2:03:07 PM [John Cummings] Right now we have a little more than 700 in foster care. They are all ages and backgrounds.
2:03:43 PM [Visitor] Are most of them living in Hamilton County?
2:04:15 PM [John Cummings] Most are, but a growing number are living out-of-county because we have so few foster homes.
2:04:47 PM [Visitor] How do I become a foster parent?
2:05:50 PM [John Cummings] The basic requirements are 21 years of age or older, have sufficient income to meet your own needs, have no criminal history, have a room and a bed for a child, and be in good physical, mental and emotional health to help a child who may not be.
2:06:17 PM [Visitor] Why might the child be healthy emotionally?
2:06:31 PM [Visitor] I mean, unhealthy emotionally
2:07:21 PM [John Cummings] Because all of the children that come into our care at HCJFS are victims of abuse and neglect. This abuse may leave emotional and physical scars that they may need help dealing with.
2:07:34 PM [Visitor] That's really sad.
2:08:33 PM [John Cummings] Yes it is, but you can help by getting more information about foster parenting to see if it's right for you. Just call us at 513-632-6366 or visit us at www.hcfoster.org.
2:09:07 PM [Visitor] If I become a foster parent, could that possibly lead to me adopting the child?
2:10:32 PM [John Cummings] Sure. If the child is in "permanent custody," you can be considered for the adoption process.
2:10:56 PM [Visitor] That's good to know.
2:11:08 PM [Visitor] Do I have to be married to be a foster parent?
2:12:00 PM [John Cummings] No. That's one of the biggest myths about foster parenting. Parents come from all walks of life. They are single and married. They own homes. And they rent apartments. What matters is meeting the basic requirements mentioned above.
2:12:22 PM [Visitor] Does it matter if I have my own kids?
2:13:01 PM [John Cummings] No. You can have your own children, but they will be interviewed as part of the foster parenting preparation.
2:17:23 PM [Visitor] Sorry. I clicked the wrong box. I believe my last question was how long the process took to become certified as a foster parent?
2:18:28 PM [John Cummings] Classes take about five weeks to complete. The homestudy process can take as long as 180 days, but typically finishes earlier than that. It depends on your ability to keep appointments with the assessment person assigned to you.

2:19:54 PM [Mary] Does the assessment team have to come during the day? I'm interested in becoming an adoptive parent, but I work full time -- can they come at night?
2:20:34 PM [John Cummings] No. They can visit you at your convenience--and we'll schedule times that fit your needs.
2:21:17 PM [Mary] That's nice. Does it matter what part of the county I live in?
2:22:29 PM [John Cummings] Absolutely not. We strive to recruit parents from all parts of the county--from Springdale to Price Hill, Harrison to Indian Hill. The important thing is for them to have a true desire to help children.
2:23:21 PM [Mary] Am I allowed to pick the age of the child I want to adopt?
2:25:03 PM [John Cummings] Yes. When you adopt, you have to fill out a form called the Child Characteristics Checklist. This form lists all kids of attributes in children from age to behavioral and emotional characteristics. You will complete that with your caseworker at your agency.

2:25:43 PM [Bruce] How often does the foster child go back to their biological parents?
2:26:40 PM [John Cummings] Are you talking about visitation? They visit with their biological parents as their caseworker sees fit, usually at least once a month.
2:27:08 PM [Bruce] I actually meant go back to live with their parents permanently.
2:28:33 PM [John Cummings] Most times, they do go to their birth families. How long it takes can differ from family to family, depending on the requirements the courts set for return. Caseworkers will also continue following up for a period of time after they are reunited to ensure things are going well.
2:29:18 PM [Bruce] How closely would I have to work with the agency as a foster parent?
2:30:15 PM [John Cummings] You would work very closely with the agency. You are a part of the the "care team" for the child and meet with the caseworker, guardian ad litem, counselors, and anyone else with a vested interest.
2:30:44 PM [Bruce] What happens if the foster child becomes unruly and I don't feel that I can take care of them properly?
2:31:52 PM [John Cummings] You have the caseworker to rely on as well as a mentor "foster parent" and you can call your caseworker at any time for assistance.

2:33:09 PM [Visitor] How often do the children have to go to the doctor when they are placed in new homes on a regular basis?
2:34:03 PM [John Cummings] They would go to the doctor for regular checkups just as any other child would. Each case can be different. Some times therapy is involved.

2:40:02 PM [Visitor] I have noticed many new foster parents have to bring the children in for physical along with a folder and authorization papers. But sometimes they (the children) are not seen without the proper papers. How can this be avoided? If they were just placed.
2:41:38 PM [John Cummings] It would involve working with the caseworker to ensure all of the proper paperwork and medical cards are provided. Foster parents should check with the caseworker with any questions. Caseworkers are available all of the time.

Did you know...
* that almost 70 percent of the kids available for adoption in Hamilton County are older than 10 years of age?

2:39:45 PM [Claire] Do foster parents have to pay for visits to the doctor?
2:44:33 PM [John Cummings] No. Medical care is covered through a medical card for the child. This is given at the time of placement, usually.

Did you know...
* that almost 70 percent of adoptions start out as foster care placements?

Here are some facts we'd like to share:
* The need for foster parents in Hamilton County is great. We've lost 100-plus homes in the last couple of years.
* A growing number of children in foster care are having to leave the county to find homes.
* About 700 Hamilton County children reside in foster homes. Of those, about 270 are waiting to be adopted.
* Foster parents say they this experience greatly enriches their lives. They grow personally, while they provide a caring, nurturing environment for the kids.
* The process of becoming a foster parent doesn't take long, but the rewards last a lifetime.
* Getting information is easy. Just call 513-632-6366.
* We're available to speak anywhere in Hamilton County. Please use the Speaker Request form under Contact Us on www.hcjfs.org.

Thank you for your time and interest!!