Foster Friday: Approved Babysitter List

I would like to think the prep for being a foster parent should be very similar, if not the same, as prepping to be a parent.

Then I sent out this email.

As we are anticipating the insanity that comes along with (foster) parenting, we realized we need to get on the ball with our Approved Babysitter List (especially since everyone who is currently on it lives out of state)! Yes, our babysitters must be approved ahead of time. And with the pace at which the state moves, that makes this another fun hurdle for foster parents. We are not allowed to leave a foster child with anyone who isn't approved, except for a state approved facility (daycare, drop-in daycare, etc.). The good news is that there are only 3 qualifications you need to meet to become approved: 1) be over 18 years old 2) have a valid driver's license and 3) pass a simple background check. All of this is verified by the state when we submit the name, address, SSN, and DOB of our potential babysitters.

So here's where we need your help. Do you have a babysitter that you love? If so, can you forward us their contact information so we can see if they would consider becoming approved? Or would you like to be on our Approved Babysitter List? It really is a pretty impressive title for the resume.

Disclaimer: This is not volunteer babysitting. We will be paying for this gig in cash, beer, bacon or cupcakes- your pick! Also, becoming approved in no way obligates you to actually babysit our foster child. It just means we might call and ask you to babysit at some point.

Thanks for your help!