[Bug-n-Bears-Mommy]

I think they hit all the issues with the children pretty well. What I wish they had been better at was explaining your roll with the bio parents. For example, I received this advice from our CW after Bug was placed with us...let the CW be the enemy. If they ask you a question you are uncomfortable with, just use the department as a sort of buffer "You will have to ask the CW, I am not sure that is possible". Also, our licensor told me to form the most positive relationship possible with bio-parents. It will go a long way if and when they have to make decisions that are in their child's best interests.

One example of our experience in this is that both Bug and Bear's parents either voluntarily relinquished, or supported us being their mommy and daddy (Bug's parents just dissappeared and went to TPR, but before she did, she asked me to adopt him). As a result, the boys will both be under a year when their cases are final (Bear in a month). On the other hand, we have friends who have been confrontational, rude, and judgemental with their bio parents. They were placed with their boys just a few weeks after Bug was placed with us. The bio parents have tried to stop necessary surgeries, changed lawyers, forced numerous delays in the court system...the list goes on. It is quite litterally a battle for these children.

I think in PRIDE they should hit on the fact that these children are subjected to enough negativity and it is the foster parents roll to be as positive as possible. If you have to bite your tounge a bit, then so be it...aren't your kids worth it??