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Should I take on a child that is a ward of the state?


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  • Really depends on your circumstances. It is a good thing, but you should only do it if you have the capacity to put a lot of energy into it.


  • I’ve 2 kids under a legal guardianship and besides them we’ve had many foster kids under short term care (which is up to 2yrs) and emergency care (which can be as short as a couple of days).
    I would suggest to start with short term and emergency care and see how you go with that and how your family copes with that.
    The two kids I’ve under a legal guardianship order have both special needs and one of them is severely damaged due to her past experiences. Some years ago my husband really couldn’t cope well and said that life with her is torture. We even got legal advise to look if it was possible to reverse the legal guardianship order, which was not possible for us as it would be far too expensive. I myself always have felt it was the right decision to take her up in our family and fight for her although it isn’t easy, but my husband feels we’re stuck with her


  • This really depends on your situation and your support network.


  • This is a very personal thing, and without knowing your situation I’d hate to advise. However, you may need to be prepared for a child with some significant issues.


  • Only if you are very sure you can commit to giving that child a secure, steady home. Don’t put them through another “rejection”.


  • If you are financially, mentally and physically able then yes!


  • I don’t think this is a question strangers can answer for you, we don’t know you so have no idea what you can and can’t cope with. Fostering kids is hard work, but offers high reward too


  • That is totally up to you, only you can decide this. Some of these kids can be quite challenging, but it can also be quite rewarding.


  • Just wondering what you decided?


  • cannot wait to read the answers – I am in a position to consider a child also, and have reservations x


  • Probably would need more information beforehand. Only you know what’s right in your heart


  • would have to know why you are considering it? sometimes children who are wards of state have a lot of issues to deal with and therefore need extra kindness and care. I used to be youth worker with out of home teenagers some had had bad experiences with family and foster families and needed to learn to trust. It is not the easiest of tasks but very rewarding. Try being an auntie first is also a good idea and see if you and child get on for a start. Hope this advice helps. My nephew on visit from England,I did not know had family of my own till he found me


  • I don’t know should you? Only you can decide nobody knows anything about you or your situation.,. H,mm


  • If you are ready for it, sure! But I can imagine it will be a very hard job.


  • Did you take on a foster child in the end?


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