Foster parent scrutiny increases

Foster parent scrutiny increases

June 25, 2004

Moultrie-- You don't have to pass a test to become a parent, but if
you want to be a foster parent, you're put under the magnifying glass.
Those screening procedures are getting more attention now after an
Atlanta man was accused of fondling three foster teens.

Bobbie Jackson has her hands full. Six boys, one girl-- none of her
own. Jackson became a foster mom, two years ago. "My oldest one is 11,
I have a seven year old, set of twins five years old, two years old,
one and a half and a five months old," she said.

And, get this, she's single and has two other grown children of her
own. And, "I'm a sibling of ten, and my mother raised us all ten of us
by herself."

Before she could become a foster mom, Colquitt County case workers
visited her home, the law got her fingerprints and doctors poked her
with needles to check for diseases.

"It's a little bit step up from what we are already doing," said DFCS
Case Manager Loral Bates. And soon, foster parents may have to step up
to psychological and HIV tests.

Jackson said, "I am terrified of needles, but you have to do all that.
But whatever it takes to take care of these kids, that's what I'll
do."

Whatever it takes to give something back.

And it will be a sad day when she has to give these kids back to other
parents. It's not easy being a single foster mom of seven, but Jackson
must be doing something right. She was named 2003-2004 Foster Parent
of the Year.

Foster parents have to get STD and tuberculosis tests and go through
home inspections and criminal background checks. DFCS has decided to
start HIV testing but has not made a decision on psychological
screenings.
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