[melissa_bear003]

As long as family members are healthy, I don't see why a child wouldn't be placed with them, or why they wouldn't be given preferance. Family stories, history, etc is something that nobody else can give them.

As has been pointed out, family isn't always contacted when a child first comes into care. Many family members that would be willing from the start simply don't know. I *think* that the parents do get an initial say in who gets contacted, until RU is proven to be no longer an option, and then they broaden the search.

Is it fair to the child? I'd say no. But its also not the fault of the family members either. Some people keep secrets until the last possible moment, so it may appear that family members just burst on to the scene.

I know for us, we've been proactive in ensuring that IF dh's great niece ever comes back into care, we are on her file as being willing to do a kinship placement.

That being said, that's only 1 family member we know to be at potential risk. Dh has other bio sibs that have children scattered about that we really know nothing of, that may/may not be at risk, and could be sitting in care right this moment. If we WERE to get a call about one of them, we'd absolutely step up.