Foster Parenting with snakes

[youbeyouibei]

I can't speak from personal experience but I work in an area that liaises fairly closely with social services. I would think given the type of animals you have listed in your signature (none capable of harming a child except in the most extreme conditions) that you would be okay. I think if you had some of the larger animals, that doubt on the part of the social workers might present some issues. That's not to further fuel the flame about "killer" retics and annies and burms or anything of the like, just to say that I think on the part of a person not familiar with the larger herps that it might cause some concern. Present it as a positive if the topic comes up and maybe even if it doesn't; show that you're committed to teaching a child about all of the animals in the world, not just the cute, fuzzy, cuddly ones. Show that you want to expand their understanding of and appreciation for animals in general, even the ones that aren't quite as mainstream as a cat or dog. Demonstrate your knowledge and level of expertise to show that you know what you're doing, if that helps to put their minds at rest if it's even an issue.

From what little experience I have with this topic, it primarily comes down to your criminal history if any, income level (check-to-check, ability to save/savings present, retirement planning, stability of job/duration, duration of stay at your current residence, how "invested" you are in the area [grew up there, family still there, long-term job/home ownership?] and the like). They may also look at your extended family and what their histories are like and may want to "vet" anyone the child might have contact with; it all depends on your states regulations and sometimes the person doing the interviewing and how thorough they are. I know in my home state it's a pretty intensive (and sometimes lengthy) process to become a foster parent and it can be a lot of work. Don't give up, as government moves s-l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-w-l-y with most everything but mailing out tax bills, lol! Hats off to you and your husband both for wanting to do that. Hoping it works out for you guys!