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Foster parent shortage in NH

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Child advocates in New Hampshire agree that the state is facing a shortage of foster homes for an increasing number of kids in need of care.

The issue was highlighted in a recent episode of NHPR’s The Exchange, where some guests and callers argued that the state’s vetting process for potential foster families was too strict, imposing a time-consuming and stressful burden on would-be foster parents and excluding loving and reasonably safe homes on technicalities.

Currently, any adult, whether single or married, can apply to be a foster parent in New Hampshire. Prospective foster parents must pass a background check with fingerprinting (along with any other adult living in the house) and take a 21-hour training course.

The whole application process can take anywhere from 45-90 days.

Those hoping to foster do not have to own their homes, but their place of residence has to pass both a health/safety and a fire inspection. Case workers will check to make sure that any firearms are stored in a locked, secure area, that hazardous material are inaccessible, and that homes are properly equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

There is currently no move in New Hampshire to change policies for vetting prospective foster homes.

However, some would-be foster families complain that the standards of the health and fire inspections are too strict, sharing stories of being rejected because of features of older homes that do not comply with current codes, such as small windows or too-wide porch railing slats.

However, opponents of easing regulations argue that as foster children are ultimately wards of the state, the state has a responsibility for going the extra mile to make sure they are safe. Asking that foster parents’ homes meet strict safety standards is a reasonable precaution to prevent injury or accidents.

Others argue that instead of easing regulations, New Hampshire should address the shortage by budgeting more for foster family recruitment, or step up mental health and other support services for both foster children and parents.

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