In this episode we go over the difference between fostering, adoption, independent living, and guardianship for children in the foster care system.

00:00 - Introduction to the Foster Dad Directive Podcast

Charles introduces the podcast, goals for the episode, and the importance of permanency goals in foster care.

00:22 - The Fluidity of Foster Care Goals

Charles discusses how permanency goals like adoption, guardianship, or independent living can change based on court rulings.

00:45 - Legal Disclaimer & Professional Advice

Charles clarifies that the views shared are personal, not professional legal advice, and encourages listeners to seek proper counsel.

01:09 - Personal Update on Family Loss

Charles shares a personal update regarding the passing of his grandfather and the emotional challenges it brings.

01:59 - The Main Goal of Foster Care: Reunification

Charles explains that foster care typically aims for reunification, and foster parents must work with biological families for this goal.

03:10 - Advocating for the Child's Best Interests

Charles emphasizes the importance of putting a child's best interests above family reunification when it's unsafe for the child.

05:34 - Moving Towards Adoption When Reunification Fails

Charles talks about the process when reunification isn't successful, including the likelihood of parental rights being terminated after 15 months.

07:02 - Adoption: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Emotional Impact

Charles discusses adoption as a permanency goal, the emotional challenges of adopting foster children, and the legal changes involved.

09:14 - Guardianship: A Step Between Foster Care and Adoption

Charles outlines guardianship as a possible goal, offering similar rights to adoption without terminating parental rights.

11:31 - Independent Living: Preparing Youth for the Future

Charles explains independent living as a permanency goal, where older youth learn life skills to transition to adulthood and self-sufficiency.

In this episode we go over MCL (Michigan Compiled Laws) - Section 722.958a " the foster parent's bill of rights law"

Please forgive the chaos. I lost my Grandpa Saturday so I have a lot on my mind.

In today's episode I go over MCL 722.958a. Please forgive the audio, I currently have a lot going on so my mind was everywhere.

This MCL is known as the foster parent's bill of rights law

On this episode I go over on if we should stop fostering.

Along with potential future guests:

My friend who is a Therapist

Dr. Becky Owens with her book The Reset Method

David Pisarra with Union of Dads

A helpful guide from Knotts Family Agency with an overview of important rules.

1. Alter their appearance without permission
2. Share their faces on social media
3. Leave them with unapproved babysitters
4. Refuse to or vaccinate them
5. Leave them at home without adult supervision (depending on age)
6. Permit co-sleeping arrangements
7. Change their names
8. Move to a different state or travel overseas
9. Share their names or photos in newspaper articles
10. Allow them to partake in dangerous activities

In this episode I go over security systems and devices I've found extremely helpful even outside of fostering.

In this episode we go over becoming a foster parent and the process that is involved. Interested in becoming a foster parent?1-855-MICHKIDS (642-4543)https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/foster-carehttps://mifostercare.michigan.gov/s/landing-pageOr FosterUSkidshttps://www.fosteruskids.org/usa/michigan#how-to-foster

In this episode we go over my experience with the runaway procedure along with FOM 722-03A. We've had 3 runaways with one ending up on the news. Please ensure you reach out immediately to On-Call or the Case Worker then to law enforcement. Remember each case is unique and should be handled as such.

In this episode we go over our 1st official foster child after getting our license. She was a chronic runaway who ran 7 times before we had to put in our 30 days notice. It is astonishing how little we knew and how much the agency took advantage of us.

#fostercarereviewboard #fostercare #fosterdad #fostering #foster #fosterparent #fosteryouth

Update on Episode 4. Includes how to Volunteer with the FCRB and who to contact.

#fostercarereviewboard #fostercare #fosterdad #fostering #foster #fosterparent #fosteryouth