[annharth]

My husband and I were playing with the idea of fostering emotionally disturbed teenagers. In my area, there is a huge need for stable homes for these children. After speaking to a number of people who have been involved in this program, I am extremely hesitant. I have a 16 and an 11-year-old. Both are well-adjusted with no more than the normal problems that kids this age encounter. The children that we would be eligible to foster are quite disturbed and, though I would love to give them a home with a family who cares, I am loathe to introduce someone into my children's home who may be detrimental to my family's well-being. Not only would a foster child take a lot of my time and energy away from my own kids, but it feels like it's possible that instead of helping a child with problems, I may simply be creating two more.
I would love insight from anyone who has any thoughts on this subject. On one hand I feel selfish for not opening my home to someone in need. On the other, I feel that doing so would be unfair to my own children.