Foster child and 4-H?

I just got a foster child a couple days ago. He is very interested in animals, and he happened to notice how I have a lot of land ("just sitting there, it looks so lonely" the way he put it). He asked me if he could join 4-H and do some of the animal projects like raising cows and pigs. I'm completely fine with that, but I don't know how long he'll be here. I mean, say if he decides to raise a beef calf and he leaves in a week (it could be a day, a month, a year, I really have no idea) to go back home. I could always sell it, but if I was him, I sure would hate not being able to finish raising it. So do you think I should say yes, but make it clear that he might not be able to finish the project, or wait until we know how long he'll be staying here? (I'm not sure how long this will take because he is my first foster child.)
Additional Details
I don't think he'd be able to bring it with him, but maybe since we live close to his house, he could come over after school on the bus or something.

AnnaBelle

Oh, please, please let him do it! I always grew up around animals (both parents' families were farmers, and we had many creatures, great and small) and it's SO, SO important.

I know it's kind of iffy, but I hate the idea of a kiddo being denied things like this because they are in care. My husband and I, when we were first setting out to foster or adopt (weren't sure which at that point) thought about things like extracurriculars for kids in our home and decided to eat whatever cost might come of a situation like the one you describe. Better that they have the chance than not at all, right?

Chat with his caseworker, and see if you have some general idea. They might not tell you much (I know where I live, the foster parents don't know squat) but they might be able to give you an idea of whether or not 4H is realistic. Since they live close, as you say, you might want to mention it to the case worker, and even if he goes home soon, maybe he can still come and take care of it.

Good luck and I hope everything works out for the little guy. :-)

kidmindi

I would talk it over with his case worker and she what she says. She can probably help you deal with this and other issues that may come up.

grapesgum

Proud 4-H graduate here! I grew up on a farm and raised large animals. My career moved me to the suburbs of a large city, but I wanted my children to be involved with 4-H, but large animals were out of the question. My son opted for scouts, but my daughter participated in the gardening and small animal 4-H clubs. It provided her with the great 4-H experience without the commitment to a large animal.

I loved his observation on your land - what a sweet kid!

I like your idea of letting him...but explaining the facts that he may or may not stay long enough to finish. I think the pro's will outway the cons. It will be something your family can do with him. How neat!

Kristy

that is so sweet! i would allow him to do it! it sounds like a great idea of turning his life around! because even if he doesn't stay maybe when he leaves he could take it with him? or if not you could let him take care of it at your house still!

Neil

You never know ever, how long it will be. A year from now you will know it has been a year, but if he is still with you you will not know whether he will be there another day, week, month, or year.

Cleopatra

Isn't foster care a day-to-day thing? Live day-to-day and don't confuse what must already be confusing for him. Decide when you are faced with making a decision.

cricketlady

I think this is a great idea---our children loved 4 H and the scout programs. The worker probably has no idea at this point how long he will be in foster care ---many times they know about as much as we do in the beginning. Sometimes we get lucky and find out quicker what is going on in the child's family and have a clearer outlook.

I say ahead and go for it and then work some arrangement for letting him to continue if the time arises. Having something like this in his life will be worth while and having more people in his life that care for him is worth while. It could some time and effort but well worth it in the end. Good thinking, and keep it up. I am sure his case worker will think it is good as well

babyblue83

I think it's great that you are interested in helping him with this. I was in 4-H and FFA myself from grades 3-12. 4-H is a great organization that teaches responsibility and giving back through service. This could be very positive for a little boy in foster care. He could learn so much about caring for another being who relies on him. I also think you are very wise to think of how a move and leaving the animal would effect him. I would suggest that you take with your casework from your agency (if you are working with one) and your foster son's caseworker through the protective services. Though they can't give you a guarantee, they should be able to give you a good idea of the likelihood of a fast or short move. If they feel like there's a larger chance he'd be with you for several months or through at least the school year, I would say go for it! Keep in mind that, to remain licensed as a foster parent, you may need to provide vaccination information to be incompliance with the license requirements in your state.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: