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Fostering, adopting when in the military

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  More than 15,500 children are in substitute care in the state of Illinois. Of those, 7,293 are in foster homes.

While many military members have opened their homes to these children, many more have unfounded preconceived ideas or believe their military service prevents them from becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

"That isn't the case," said Tom Kircher, Illinois recruiter with the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition. "We love to get foster and adoptive families within the military community. I've found over the years that military families understand separation in a way the civilian community doesn't. They've experienced it."

On top of the normal challenges associated with fostering and adopting, military families often have an added challenge brought on by frequent moves and TDYs, which may deter servicemembers from opening their home to a child. But if a person or family can't take on a child when a placement becomes available, they are able--and encouraged--to decline the placement until they can physically and emotionally support the child.
"Every placement is on a case-by-case basis," said Mr. Kircher. "If you aren't currently ready to accept a child at the time, or feel that a certain child is not a good match for your family, you can say no."

While many states allow applicants to apply directly for adoption, Illinois does not, since most adoptable children in Illinois are adopted by their foster parents. For children who are already in foster care and become available to adopt, the family they are with has first priority.

"When kids come into foster care, the birth parents generally has a year and a half to correct the problems that led to the child's removal," said Mr. Kircher. "If they don't, social workers will go to court to ask to remove parental rights."

Foster care licenses are nontransferable between states and, because of this, Mr. Kircher recommends families with less than a year left on station wait until they arrive at their new station. The licensing process can take several months to accomplish. If currently acting as a foster parent when orders to change station come down, the child may be allowed to move with the family depending on the situation.

"It's based on the best interest of the child," he said.

Becoming licensed
To become licensed, the applicant must be at least 21 years old, a citizen of the U.S., free of child abuse or criminal history (some offenses don't eliminate applicants), employed or have another form of reliable income, able to accommodate additional children in your home, attend a nine to 12 week training program, participate in a home study, provide references and complete a financial form.

Applicants follow the rules of the state they reside in rather than the state they are registered in. For Illinois, this involves 27 hours of training.

While there is no charge to become licensed, some required actions may entail costs such as smoke alarms and physical examinations. Foster parents receive monthly subsidy per foster child ranging from $384 to $471 to offset costs, which applies also to adoptions, until the child is 18.

The Air Force also offers a one-time subsidy of $2,000 per child (up to $5,000) for military members who adopt to reimburse expenses they may have incurred. The subsidy is available once the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption is arranged through a qualified adoption agency. More information about military resources for fostering and adopting can be found at www.militaryonesource.com.

When a child comes up for placement, a social worker will call with detailed information about the child and his or her situation. Mr. Kircher recommends asking to meet the child if possible to avoid situations where the child may have to be removed from the foster home.

"Every move is a loss from a child's perspective," he said. "It's difficult for the foster parents and the child."

But in Mr. Kircher's opinion, opening a home to a child in need could be the most rewarding experience for everyone involved, especially the child.

"You're making an irreplaceable contribution to a child's life when you welcome them into your home," said Mr. Kircher. "When foster children come back, the first thing they ask us is how to get in touch with their foster parents."

For more information, call 800-367-8373 or visit www.foster-adopt.org.