[ldurham]

I'm sorry to hear that he's been through so much, it would make your job so much easier if he were able to articulate his wishes - but if he is clear on wanting to stay with you which can be addressed by kinship care why not let things stay as they are? Would you still get the financial assistance under kinship - because truthfully it's not about how much money Childrens Services would save, but how much value the financial assistance adds to his life. I agree with you on the Independent Living piece - what sense of permanence is that supposed to offer, and how would that impact him emotionally - wouldn't he feel like he's loosing you too? And, if you don't mind me asking why was adoption never put on the table? It sounds like that may be the direction your leaning towards and it appears that he could only benefit from it - even if it's not all clear to him right now. Isn't that one of a parents greatest responsibilities - to guide our children in the direction that's in their best interest in the long run and not just the right now?