[KT08]

I am a foster parent to a nearly 2-year-old who I have had since he was an infant. I anticipate that I will be taking his 8-year-old sister into care this week for a plan of TPR/adoption on both children. [Hearing is tomorrow.]

Children have been in care for 18 months. Eight-year-old has been living with her maternal grandparents but grandmother died while child in custody. During this 18-month period, child has had daily phone contact (against court orders) with birth parents and supervised visitation once a week. Child is extremely close to her mother, who I believe is seriously mentally ill (bipolar and probably more), and emotionally manipulates the child in all the ways you can imagine. Grandfather similarly manipulated.

I expect that judge will rule no contact or very limited parental contact tomorrow and will set the date for the TPR hearing.

This child knows me and likes me and has had overnight visitation with me. There are no other children in the home, except her toddler brother.

Question 1): Any tips for helping an 8-year-old adjust to her first true foster placement?

Question 2): How do I help this child adjust to limited birth family contact?