Hi All! I'm excited about the We Foster Challenge and looking forward to finding new ways to expand our foster programs. I'm the Foster Care Coordinator for a private non-profit shelter in New Hampshire, and I've run into a few issues during our inspections by the Department of Agriculture. It seems as though the powers that be here in NH have an old-school mentality when it comes to foster care. Legally, we can use foster homes for medical and behavioral rehabilitation (not for an extension of space), and that's it. Apparently, kennel stress isn't enough of a reason for us to send an animal into foster care (according to the state). We'd love to implement a safety net foster program, but I know that won't fly with the state, since the animals won't always fall into the medical or behavioral rehab categories.
Luckily, our veterinarian is on board with growing our foster programs, and is especially happy when we can get our most stressed out animals into loving foster homes. She has backed me on multiple occasions when the state has questioned why an animal is in foster care. However, I think it's time for an update to our state's policies. Foster care isn't something we should need to justify and defend every time we get a surprise inspection.
I'm wondering if anyone has faced similar roadblocks in their states? If so, how did you overcome them? Does anyone have experience writing petitions or working with government officials to work through the red tape in place?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
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Caryn Fugatt
Foster Care Coordinator
Pope Memorial Humane Society - Cocheco Valley
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