[nikitabear1979]

My husband and I just got notice in the mail that the Foster Care Review Board is meeting to go over the Case Permanency Plan for the 2 boys that are with us.



The problem is that we (My husband and I have not been privy to the permanency plan) the boys have been with us since June; however we have yet to meet the CW in person. He has only responded to our emails sporadically. He did make an attempt to come to our house one evening but never verified a time.



This is our first placement and we were wondering what to expect?

[Mammie]

Hi Nikitabear1979,

Not that I am an expert or anything, but your caseworker has not seen you (or the boys) since they were placed with you in June?

Do you mind if I ask what state you are in?

[mj77]

Our foster care review boards or hearings are just routine things. If you decide to attend (assuming it's not manditory where you are), a judge or a board member (depends on your state/county) might ask you for an update on the child(ren) and if you have any questions. Ours have been really no biggie. Sometimes their good to hear the cw's time line for things in the case. Keeps you in the loop.

MJ

[nikitabear1979]

We Are in IA. A few weeks ago my licensing worker called to check in and I mentioned the fact that the boys CW had not been out yet. The next day he emailed me to set up a time however when I replied he never responded...



Although I didn't want to - I have a call into his Supervisor, I know they have 80 cases and all but this is crazy!



I was ok about the hearing until I found out that the Bmom will be attending.

[Mammie]

Hi Nikitabear1979,

That is terrible about the caseworker! He must be under a pile of work, to have not gotten back in touch. Still, it kinda bites my butt...if you know what I mean.

I know caseworkers are busy too. When we got the twins on Aug 6 - their case was NOT FILED until September 26 - and we did get any monatary help until October 15th! (Which, we are not in it for the money - but we were going through 15 diapers A DAY...those cost! )

We were also having a major problem with the twins - one had surgery and we did not know how to care for the infected scar, (or if he was allowed to eat certain things or have to take meds for it) and there was a sever biting problem that was leaving marks on our other foster children!

We called the twins caseworker three times a week, and FINIALLY got a response in mid October! (She has since came out to see the twins). The other caseworker for our other children, has seen the twins more than their own caseworker! Go fig.

Anyway, on your question about the foster care review boards...here in Michigan, they are not manditory. However, my husband usually attends everyone that comes down the pike, just so he can stay on top of things.

As you have already experianced, caseworkers are really busy, and most do not have the time to call back. They also tend to 'leave out' things, that to them, may be mundane, but to the foster parent, it is another piece for the puzzle.

You are also getting the same info at the hearing that the bio parents are getting (so later on, if you are working with a bio parent, and they get upset and confused because of something they don't understand or have misinturpited, you can either set them straight or enlighten the caseworker.

And like mj77 stated - to be kept in the loop - sometimes that is the only thing you walk away with.

I will give you an example of how one of our reviews were set up. Remember, this is in Michigan...and every case is different.

You go to the court house where they have the hearings. Sometimes you have to sit and wait for a couple of hours in the waiting area, with other cases waiting to be heard. There are all walks of people, in every stage of dress. Some are friendly, some are sullen. Some talk very angrily - and you can't help but over hear their conversations.

Sometimes other foster parents will be there - but now a days, most foster parents work during court hours. Lots of caseworkers and aides are there. Lawyers are there. Sometimes the childrens lawyer will appear. The bio parents are there - and who ever the bio parents want for support.

When it is time for your party to be heard, an officer of the court will call out the case name. You will then follow the line - the officer will ask you what is your business with the hearing (You are the foster parent) and you will sign in and go into the room.

Now, I do not know how big your hearing room will be, but ours was never bigger than my living room. Infact, the room looked like a large office area, complete with chairs, books book cases, and a big desk and a table in front of it. There were no windows.

The referee was sitting behind her desk. Then, sitting around the table was the caseworker, the children's lawyer, the bio mother, the bio mothers lawyer, (a big gap) boyfriend envolved, bio father's laywer, and bio father.

Standing up in the back of the room was an officer of the court, bio mother's mother, bio mother's sister (who was doing kinship), boyfriend's mother, two sets of foster parents, bio father's mother.

Whew! Believe me, with that crowd in that small room, I was glad everyone wore deoderant!

What then perceeded was they went around the table, basicly stating where the bio parents were at on therapy, paternal testing results, employment, housing issues, trying to extend visitiation hours, medical condition of the children, etc.

The foster parents were not allowed to speak - only to listen. However, our caseworker said that on an occasion, a referee has asked for the foster parent to say something. TRUST ME!!! It was sooooo hard to stand there and NOT say anything! Especially when bio mother 'sugar coated' everything. I wanted to barf! I must have bit my lip 100 times!

It took about 45 minutes. Then everyone left, and it was business as usual. (If you want to talk to the caseworker or bio parents, you can hang around in the lobby. Most go outside to smoke.)

Like I mentioned before, my husband usually tries to make everyone, just so we have the facts. Sometimes, as foster parents, we feel like mushrooms....kept in the dark and fed crap.

I understand your hesitation with bio mother showing up. It is perfectly natural, especially the first few times. I have been doing this for three years, and I still have difficulty. (It is something the good Lord is working with me on!)