Becoming a Foster Parent
On November 2009, the Lane County’s foster parent community was stunned of allegations of a foster parent who sexually abused two of his children. Joshua Thomas Friar, 26, was arrested after his foster children accused him of sexual abuse. The abuse, according to court records started when the boys were 9 and 12 years old.
Friar met the two boys when he was working at Jasper Mountain, a residence for children with emotional problems. When Friar applied as a foster parent, he passed all procedures easily citing no criminal record and passing all interviews and home visits.
Though the screenings were rigorous, it proved that the system was not foolproof. Occasionally, a malicious and ruthless person would pass the screenings, which often end up in serious criminal problems, as what happened with Friar.
But how does a person pass a foster parent screening? Here are the qualifications:
• The applicant has to be at least 21 years old, with a steady income and a stable and safe home. He has to pass an employment background check to ensure that the child will have good future with him.
• He has to have sound emotional health to understand the responsibility attached to a child.
• He has to pass a criminal background check and has to have no alcohol and drug problems.
• He has to complete the application process and attend the training classes.
This may all sound easy, but once you get into the process, you’ll know how taxing it is to apply as a foster parent. Friar may have been one of those who slipped through the process and cheated the system, but he is now paying for his crime. Let Friar’s mistake be a lesson to all foster parents and those intending to be foster parents. You may be able to deceive the system today, but rest assure that it will get back to you sooner or later, and once it bites back, expect for the worst.
About the Author:
Madeline is a psychology graduate presently working as a freelance writer and at times handle background check service for a women’s magazines. she is also a ghostwriter for a local newspaper and does background check on records search for her uncle’s law firm which also helps her with her writing stint.