<p>I am so sorry. Perhaps you can find another way to give back. Thanks so much for having such a big heart and wanting to help these kids!</p>
<p>If you can’t foster, respite care is such a godsend. My fiance does respite care for special needs children (he used to work at a center, now he does in-home work). I couldn’t do it but there are special people in this world! </p>
<p>Just as a forewarning though, he comes home drained. He has cuts, bruises, etc from temper tantrums, has had fecal matter thrown at him, the list goes on. The need is very, very high but the work is very, very tough.</p>
<p>Sorry about that. You may still be able to be a mentor- which is more of time commitment, several times/month. How it works depends on the state, but it’s generally meetings away from home.</p>
<p>I need to point out that not all foster kids are “damaged,” with physical/emotional issues that lead to outbursts. Each kid will have a unique experience with early parenting, the problems that led to removal and then the pattern of foster care.</p>
<p>I’m sorry about that fauxmaven. I would like to put a plug in for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, a program that trains people to become advocates for foster care children. I’ve just had my first of 10 trainings so I’m not an expert but am very excited about becoming an advocate. You have one child to whom you are assigned (actually, you select the child from those in need)…get together with the child each week, meet with the child’s social worker, lawyer, teacher(s), etc. (as appropriate), write monthly reports and truly advocate on the child’s behalf to the judge who ultimately makes decisions for the child.</p>
<p>^ I have a co-worker who is a CASA. She has worked with a number of children over the years, most recently three siblings. It requires a lot of consistency. And yes, there is a huge need.</p>
<p>My husband has been in CASA for 5 years.</p>
<p>CASA is an awesome program.</p>
<p>Agree on CASA. I know a CASA who has become like a second mom to a sibling group. It doesn’t always work out like this, but very rewarding.</p>
<p>CASA and Guardian ad Litem are the exact same program. Some states use the “CASA” name, the acronym that also makes you think of the Spanish word for “house”, while other states use the Latin name, Guardian ad Litem, or GAL, although “Guys” are welcome. 
At the national level it is CASA/Guardian ad Litem.</p>
<p>Bumping this thread. Thinking about volunteering to be a CASA myself but I’d like a lot more information from those who have done this. </p>
<p>Collage1, has your training finished? What did you learn? </p>
<p>fauxmaven, what does your husband do for CASA? How time-consuming is it? How heart-breaking? </p>
<p>Others, what do you know? Exactly what do they do? </p>
<p>TIA.</p>
<p>VH, You could become a surrogate parent in CT. These folks act on behalf of the student in school related issues. If a foster child has special education needs, the surrogate parent is appointed and is the one who acts as the parent at any special education meetings or conferences. It is a paid position, with somewhat flexible hours…but it is time consuming as you need to prepare for these meetings.</p>
<p>I briefly considered it…and may do so again. But not now.</p>
<p>I just looked at the Children In Placement website…apparently the only CASA group in the state. It sounds interesting. I particularly like that there is a program for older students so they can become independent of state supported systems. </p>
<p>Another great program is Big Brothers, Big Sisters. We have friends who have become mentors to kids…and their families some long term. </p>
<p>But then…I’m sure you have already looked into different options.</p>
<p>thumper, you would be well-prepared for such a roll. You were a special ed teacher, weren’t you??</p>