Unfortunately, many foster parents don't realize they want to adopt the bird until they face losing him.  It happens about 25% of the time with budgies.  I try to remember to tell potential adopters that any bird could be adopted at any time, without much prior notice, since previously approved adopters are always coming back to adopt another bird (at least they do with budgies), and there's not much lead time then.  I've had really good foster homes tell me that yes, the budgie is still available, and then a week later find themselves unable to actually give him up.  You cannot just wrench the bird away from them, but it's very annoying.  I've found that it minimizes the last minute changes of heart if I let them know as soon as I do that someone is in the queue that wants their particular bird.  Then, if the foster parent expresses uncertainty, I can warn the PA.
 
The bigger problem with the foster parent's response on Jordan is that he felt he could stipulate the living conditions to be provided by the adoptive parents.  He could/should have told you earlier if there was something unusual about Jordan that would merit specific requirements being placed on the adoptive home -- not make them conditions of him giving up Jordan for adoption.  If we have to negotiate with our foster homes, we'll never get a bird adopted.
 
All of this said, I think people fixate on tiels more than they do on budgies (except once in a while).  We always say that the bird's interest comes first.  If we think the foster home would be the best place for the bird, then they should get to keep him.  If the new PA appears to be a better environment/custodian, then the bird should move.
 
I don't have a copy of the foster contract -- what do we say there?  Is it a right of first refusal?  The implication there is that the foster home can say they want to keep the bird any time we propose to move him, meaning they get to meet the adopter first.  If it says something else, we should decide whether it says what we mean.
 
And bottom line -- they have to actually adopt the bird then and there. 
 
Michelle


Michelle



--- On Wed, 3/4/09, Maria Pangelina <maria@mickaboo.org> wrote:
From: Maria Pangelina <maria@mickaboo.org>
Subject: [Leadershipgroup] Foster Parents Right to Adopt
To: leadershipgroup@mickaboo.org
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 1:26 PM

Hello Everyone,

I've run into a problem too many times recently and I'd like to know if there is anything we can do about it. 

It is very frustrating when I contact a foster parent about a PA who wants to meet their foster bird and they tell me that they want to adopt the bird.  I know that foster parents have first option of adopting their fosters but can we put in some sort of stipulation that they must let us know BEFORE there is interest in their foster?  And if they do not, the PA is allowed to come and meet the bird and adopt if they choose?

I am dealing with two situations such as this right now and I just don't think that it is fair to the PA.  Many set their sights on a specific bird.  And the bird remains on the "Available" page on the website.  I contact the foster parent to let them know to please contact the PA for a meeting...and at that point they say something like..."Oh, my husband has fallen in love with the bird and we just cannot give her up".  I then have the job of letting the PA know that the bird is no longer available and they are wondering why the bird is still on the available page if that is the case.  Many get *very* upset.  One lady told me she didn't want to talk to me any longer and she handed the phone to her husband.

I totally agree that foster parents should be allowed to adopt first if they choose.  But I also think that they should not be able to wait until someone else wants to adopt their foster.  If no one else is having this problem, can I put in a stipulation for cockatiels only?

Thoughts?

Maria
=============================
Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue
"Don't buy, don't breed.......
          ADOPT!

"Within yourselves let grow a boundless love for all creatures.  Strive for this with a one-pointed mind; your life will bring heaven to earth." ~ The Buddha


_______________________________________________
Leadershipgroup mailing list
Leadershipgroup@mickaboo.org
https://mickaboo.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/leadershipgroup