Foster Parenting with snakes

[DellaF]

My husband and I are seriously thinking about becoming foster parents. I have been trying for a week to get in touch with someone from Social Services. All I ever get is an answering service. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you guys were foster parenting with snakes in the house. I hope it won't be an issue for us but it would be nice to know if anyone here has been through the foster parenting process.

[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!

[AK907]

In all honesty I would consider it to be a case by case basis and who your case worker is. My sister did fostering several years ago (and ended up adopting two beautiful little girls in the process!). My wife and I did the classes with her for support, so at one time we were certified foster parents (although we weren't active), but the case workers that she had would NOT allow her foster kids to visit me and my wife's home because we kept snakes (two only balls, a milk, a king and a corn at the time) and two pet rats. My sister's dog, which had bitten several people (and ended up being put down because it bit their child), was okayed by the case worker. Not trying to be a downer, just realistic. Some case workers will be awesome, others will be your worst nightmare. Just be professional, go the extra mile when they interview you and show them EXACTLY how your reptiles are kept, maintained and their potential. If they do ok the reptiles, be prepared to have to lock them up very well.

[DellaF]

In all honesty I would consider it to be a case by case basis and who your case worker is. My sister did fostering several years ago (and ended up adopting two beautiful little girls in the process!). My wife and I did the classes with her for support, so at one time we were certified foster parents (although we weren't active), but the case workers that she had would NOT allow her foster kids to visit me and my wife's home because we kept snakes (two only balls, a milk, a king and a corn at the time) and two pet rats. My sister's dog, which had bitten several people (and ended up being put down because it bit their child), was okayed by the case worker. Not trying to be a downer, just realistic. Some case workers will be awesome, others will be your worst nightmare. Just be professional, go the extra mile when they interview you and show them EXACTLY how your reptiles are kept, maintained and their potential. If they do ok the reptiles, be prepared to have to lock them up very well.

I hope they will be ok with the snakes here. I'm not gonna get rid of them. We don't have a problem with locking the door so kids won't be able to go in the room without supervision. My nieces (3 and 7) come over all of the time they know the snakes are here. They will walk in the bedroom and take a look around then they will ask "why do they sleep all day?" After that they are no longer interested I will be sure to let them know that my 67 year old mother checked on them and gave them fresh water while we were out of town. I hope it will all workout.