Becoming a foster parent?

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Hey folks, does anyone here know whether we who have mid-functioning (non-Aspergers) autism are allowed to become foster parents? Right now, we're planning on getting a bigger apartment so that we can do this in a few years. My partner and I would also like to homeschool / part time school because we aren't fond of the school systems around here (inner city). Anyone here done this, and any suggestions?

Depends where you're from. I've worked with foster kids in the past in North Carolina and here the laws differ by county. I was able to be a counselor/teaching parent at a group home but could not be licensed as a foster parent in my current county. However, this was not directly linked to being AS but to receiving disability payments. However, I believe if there are two parents in the home one of them can be disabled if the other works. I have been able to homeschool children in my family without a problem.

I would be hesitant to try and homeschool foster children, unless that's what they were doing prior. It's so hard for these kids with so many transitions, that I would avoid any major changes that can be controlled.

I homeschool my younger son, so am a huge proponent - but think it should be saved for children you will have forever. In addition, while its vastly superior to most of the public school system, many foster kids will bring baggage from their life experiences, and you may find it hard to be with them 24/7. School may give everyone a much needed break.

All of that said, sounds like it may be a ways away.

Different laws different states. They are going to look to see if you can provide a stable home or not.

Now I noticed you said partner, does that mean your gay? Some states (wrongly imo) prohibit gay adoption.

Lastly, homeschooling that's a good question.

If your adopting a kid who is in school, and has established friends, it would be cruel to remove him/her from that situation. If the kid doesn't, you could try homeschooling, but make sure you get your child into some after school social activities.

In case other LGBT folks visit this page looking for info, I found an overview on the ACLU page: http://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights_hiv-aid ... oster-care

Here's more general information on fostering that links to state-by-state care: http://adoption.about.com/cs/fostercare ... foster.htm