[luvmykids4]

I've been a foster parent for about a year. We really were hoping to adopt, but felt that in the process we would really be helping and making a difference in a child's life. Our first baby seemed 'handpicked' and everyone thought it would lead to adoption. After we had her for six months ( from birth ), the judge sent her home to parents with no support system, and a history that was not very promising! Needless to say, we were devastated. We have 4 bio kids ( 8,12,14,16 ), and it was very hard on them as well. We had a few calls for placements that fell through, and then we got an 13mth old girl the first week in March. We have had a challenging time with her due to sickness, adjustment, dealing with her trauma, etc. She is a sweetheart, but it's alot of work! Anyway, we think she'll end up going back with mom because dad is now in jail, and it's a domestic violence situation. I am feeling so discouraged and fed up with the system. Obviously, we wanted to adopt at some point, but I can't even feel good about kids going home where they will not be protected. I feel like the system wants more kids to go back with 'family', but all this does is perpetuate a system of messed up families. These kids will end up as the next generation of parents who abuse and lose their kids. It does not feel very rewarding right now -- I almost think that they'd be better off not taking kids, if they are just going to return them. Anyone feel like I do right now?