Not everyone is suited for the responsibility, but if you are, it can be rewarding
MARQUETTE -- The aptly named Teisha and Eric Foster always wanted a big family, and that's what they have. They have two biological children of their own and three foster children.
"Once you have a couple of kids, one more doesn't make that big of a difference," said Teisha. "Just one more plate to clean or bowl to feed. Our friends are all like, 'I don't know how you do it.' It's always great though when you come home and it's this parade of kids running up saying 'mommy' or 'Teisha!' That's always rewarding.
The family fosters through the Upper Peninsula Family Solutions agency in Marquette. The program says a substance abuse problem in Marquette County has left many helpless children with unfit parents. There are currently 99 children in foster care in Marquette County alone.
"We have more kids in the foster care system than ever before," said U.P. Family Solutions director, Rick Sanville.
But not everyone is suited to be a foster parent. Candidates apply through agencies like U.P. Family Solutions and are put through a series of paperwork and checks. Check one: a candidate must be 18 or older. Check two: they must pass a criminal background check. Check three: some may have room in their heart to foster, but not enough room in their budget or home. Agencies look for those with at least a two bedroom home or apartment that is up to code.
They'll also make sure a candidate is financially stable. The last thing an agency wants to do is place a child with a candidate who is fostering purely for profit.
"The base rate now is $14.24 per day per child. It's not a job; it's a reimbursement," Sanville said.
U.P. Family Solutions strongly stresses that you don't foster to make money. Do it because you are passionate about the cause.
If you're interested in fostering, contact an agency in your area, like U.P. Family Solutions.
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