questions about becoming foster parents

[alley]

We are currently in pride training in WV but I have some questions. 6 years ago someone called cps and made allegations on us. They were completely bizarre. They said our children were left home alone when they went to day care daily. They said I came and went so much they didn’t know if I lived there, this was 2 weeks before before I gave birth to our 3rd child believe me I didn’t go anywhere I didn’t have to. They said my husbands last name was my maiden name ( I still had some mail coming in my maiden name I believe that’s how they got it). They even got my childrens names wrong. Cps came and found the charges unfounded. My question will this prevent us from being foster parents? Should I bring this up when they come for our home study? Also how long after the training did you have your home study? And anything else you think I need to know about fostering? Thanks

[alley]

Sorry I left out when we applied a home finder called us and asked some questions one of which was have you ever had a cps case. I told her what had happened and asked if that was considered a case and she said she was new and wasn’t sure so she was just going to check no. I guess my real question is do I bring it up again when they come for the home study? Thanks

[greengirly]

Yes, you need to be transparent. If CPS believes that you are lying to them or trying to cover something up they are going to wonder what else you might be hiding. An unsubstantiated case or plain allegation of abuse/neglect that was not verified shouldn't have an impact (at least it doesnt in our state). You will need to be able to explain what happened. I would write up a one page document describing what happened, why the allegations might have been made and how you dealt with the situation.

[moniquemillard26]

yes i would bring it up again in the home study and i agree with the other young lady write it up and explain what happen but keep bringing it up until somebody look into it hopefully it was unstaintaited and i was doing my home study while i was doing my pride training so i guess it all depends on when they decide to start the home study.

[nursesarah77]

I finished my pride training in October and my home study was in February. It all depends on how busy the people that do the home study's are. With my agency, they wouldn't even submit you to have a home study until everything else was done. So it was really up to me as to how long it took me to get everything done.

[fostercareworker]

An unfounded CPS case will not prevent you from becoming a foster parent but not telling your agency about the allegation will raise red flags!!! My agency, Children's Services of Virginia, generally does not come out to begin the home study until training is over or close to completion.