[Jensboys]

Hi ... I have a friend here who is a foster parent to a 9 year old daughter. They have had her for SEVEN years with no parental visits/contact for the last 6 years. In the fhome, she also has two "brothers" - and they are all very close. Although there is no bparent involvement, because she is Indian, they are unable to adopt her.

The foster parents received letters this week (after 7 years) telling them that they are going to try to move the child into an Indian Foster home. And that in order to find aboriginal foster homes, they have "lowered the acceptable standard" to facilitate more approvals.

So, not only do they face losing their daughter after 7 years, they face having her go to a "lowered acceptable standard" home.

The govt. is attempting to remove all Indian children (the term we use in Canada is First Nations) from non-1st Nations homes for cultural preservation. However, in our community there are NOT enough acceptable foster homes to accept all Native children.

ALSO at some point, the welfare of the child MUST supersede the cultural aspect. 7 years ... I cant even imagine.

Jen

[msheartofgold]

OMG my heart hurts to hear this kind of foolishness, ok the culture issue is overpowering the best interest of the child this is crazy i can not begin to think what that poor family is going thru or getting ready to face I am so sorry for your friend.

Good luck to her and her family she will be in prayer.

[cathy102]

You have got to be kidding me??? I can't believe they would do that after 7 years. Why can't they adopted her since she has Indian in her???
Did they know this at the time of placement? I cannot even imagine what this 9 year old will go through. Is there any way they can get an Adoption Attorney, or will that not even help at this point? Prayers going to your friends way...Just crazy!!!

Cathy

[Jensboys]

Cathy, here in Canada if a child has first nation's heritage the band MUST authorize their release in order for them to be adopted. That next to never happens.

So they took this child in knowing that they couldnt adopt her, but also being told it was a permanent long term (to adulthood) placement - at which time, if she wishes she can be adopted.

The problem with this is that the govt. retains custody and can remove the child at any time.

Scary, scary, scary!

Jen

[cathy102]

Originally Posted by Jensboys

Cathy, here in Canada if a child has first nation's heritage the band MUST authorize their release in order for them to be adopted. That next to never happens.

So they took this child in knowing that they couldnt adopt her, but also being told it was a permanent long term (to adulthood) placement - at which time, if she wishes she can be adopted.

The problem with this is that the govt. retains custody and can remove the child at any time.

Scary, scary, scary!

Jen

Very scary... I feel for the girl. My daughter is 1/4 American Indian and we had to go through 3 tribes before we could bring her home. We spent 3 weeks and 1 day in CA. So I DO understand to a point but not after 7 years...Bless her heart...

[L-A-J-C-R-C]

This is just too sad. I will pray for your friends and their daughter that the band realize just how detrimental this is going to be to her.

Best wishes.

Michelle

[Wolfpack]

Jen, this is such a horrible situation. Your friend will definitely be in our prayers, is there ANYTHING we can do...Is there someone to write to or call?

Best Wishes and Prayers for this to be resolved, and the BEST interest of the Child put before all else.

Becky

[Jensboys]

Well they are going to fight it ... and I think, if they have to, go public.

We have had our boys 5 and a half years ... they are just "my sons" part of my family - so completely integrated. I cannot imagine what this will do to the child or to the family. It seems completely insane ...

Jen

[echaos]

Hey Jen, We'll be thinking about you and this family. We live in a great country, but every now and then it makes me go "What????????"

[lambeausam]

I understand, but entirely agree with, the legality of the situation. Is there any chance the parents can show documentation that indicates their support for the cultural upbringing of the chid? With the US's ICWA, sometimes this is necessary. Maybe if the aboriginal council sees the effort to preserve the child's heritage, they will deem her placement acceptable.

Sam

[Jensboys]

They are going to try. They live in a predominately first nations area and as such the child is surrounded by her culture in school and its supported at home. The band has not attempted any contact with them or the child in six years. The social workers have visited twice in six years. This was, for all intents and purposes, a permanent placement.

It should be noted, that there are 4 other bio siblings as well that are in care with relatives of the foster family. (3 live next door, one lives in the neighbourhood).

[bjolly]

what a shame. I agree that it's important to keep the children connected with their heritage and their community, but it's a shame that the need of the child for permanence and stability isn't taken into account in a situation like this. I hope they will be able to work something out so that the band can see this home as a positive place for the child to have both permanence and support for her heritage. Poor kid. : (

[Kate1129]

This is truley an injustice to the child!!!


Do you have any update?

[Jensboys]

Actually I do

We got a call from them today and the band has released the child. They are going ahead and will be allowed to adopt her Today was a day for making future plans for a B-I-G party!!! Apparently, although the "idea" of what they wanted to do was good (in their books) they realized that it probably wasnt smart to do to the child. So... the aparents were called yesterday and asked if they wished to pursue adoption.

Jen

[SchmennaLeigh]

Edit: Jenna, learn to read first.

HURRAH FOR THE CELEBRATION!

(So, I'm late, as always.)

Thanks for sharing the good news, Jen.