Ever since we started dating, Jennifer and I have talked about the idea of adopting kids later in life and maybe being foster parents once our kids got old. We first started the path to become Foster Parents because we knew a child that was in the system and we had recently bought a house in Nashville and thought "WHYNOT?" There was really not a good reason why not help someone we already knew that needed a place and we already had a place. After learning more about the requirements and what it takes to be a Foster Parent, we first fill out the Inquiry form for potential foster parents in the TN DCS website. We attended PATH classes, meeting once a week for eight weeks. It is hard sometimes, there are many challenges trying to deal with DCS workers, parents and kids/youth's behavior, trauma they have. But at the end of the day, I think "If I needed help or my children needed help, wouldn't I wanted to be with a family that cares for me even if it is for one night?" This is also why we decided to be OMNI Foster Parents, because of all the extra support and services they provide for the youth/kids. DON'T MAKE ANY EXCUSE - BE A FOSTER PARENT!