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Airman starts foster parents support group

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Have you thought of becoming a foster parent? Are you currently a foster parent, but still have some questions? One Fairchild Airman started a foster parent support group on base that she hopes will answer all those questions and more.

Staff Sgt. Alisha Moore, 92nd Comptroller Squadron financial analysis supervisor, started the Foster Parent Support Group to pass along knowledge she learned while becoming a foster parent. She also wanted to create a group where current and future foster parents could gather to share experiences.

The meetings will be held the first Tuesday of every month with the first meeting at 11 a.m., May 5 at the Funspot.

"I want to be able to bring speakers in to speak on different topics, bring a speaker in who works at pass and ID or a speaker that works at the Military Personnel Section," Moore said. "Bringing in speakers would help others know what kind of help they can get."

When she started the process to become a foster parent, she wasn't aware of the entitlements for her or the child.

As a single active duty Airman, Moore didn't think she could be a foster parent until she spoke with her sister about a friend at church who was a foster parent.

"My sister told me her husband's best friend is a single male, worked full time and was an emergency foster parent," Moore said. "After hearing this, I starting thinking I could qualify."

Shortly after talking with her friend at church, she made the call. The agency, Fostering Together, reached out and answered all of her questions and explained that as long as she was physically able to take care of children, she could apply to become a foster parent.

She wanted to become a foster parent because of her passion and love for children.

"I have started my degree in early childhood education because I always wanted to work with kids," Moore said. "I just love working with kids and I love seeing them develop and grow that's just where my heart is."

During the process of getting her foster parent license, Moore said she had to accomplish 24 hours of training to learn about the different types of foster children. Social workers also conducted a house study at her home to ensure it was safe for children.

"I also had to do an extensive background check and finger printing," she said. "That can be a month to a six month process."

Once approved, hopeful foster parents can be called at any time to take in a child, whether it is 3 p.m., or midnight, she said. When first bringing the child into a new home, foster parents and the child need bonding time to get to know each other.

"The child is not considered your dependent in regards to Basic Allowance for Housing or any entitlement you would get with having a child, so when you get that child you do need that bonding period," Moore said. "You do end up having to use your leave time."

This is one of the scenarios Moore plans to discuss with other current and future foster parents during the monthly meetings.

For more information on the Foster Parent Support Group, call (509) 247-2901.