[Elle83]

Just wanted to see if anyone had exp with this. I took FMLA time when our girls were placed and am due to go back to work Aug 7th - I was told they girls would be here a few days, then that they would be here 30 days. I am now being told that at court next week they expect to get an order for 6 months. Here's the thing - the girls have had a hard time settling and I really feel at this time it would be a bad idea for me to go back to work. My contract is up on Aug 18th and I have not signed on for the next yr (I work in a school so get annual contracts) as I am going back to school and will be staying home with our foster kidos instead of working. SO if I went back Aug 7th it would mean 2 weeks of day care and then back to being home with me.

If I don't go back I have to pay the company back for my insurance premiums unless I can prove that I cannot return due to circumstances outside my control. We are talking about a few hundred dollars we don't have right now and I honestly intended to return to work but things have changed...

Anyone have advice on how I would establish that I cannot return due to circumstances outside my control? I was thinking about asking my CW to write a letter saying I really didn't know this would happen and at this point the girls need a stable env. instead of all the disruption of me going back to work then stopping. Any input would be very much appreciated...

[EandDmom]

Do they go to therapy at all? Maybe a note from a therapist would work. I would call your HR manager and ask if the letter from the caseworker would be enough. I would think so since caseworker works for the state. Good luck but I agree its pointless (except for losing the money) to go back to work for 2 weeks.

[irelady10]

I'm a teacher also and worked with my union when I took Family Leave when my foster baby was placed with me. They helped me out alot. Have you talked to your UniServe rep (this is what the district union rep. is called in NJ- not sure what its called in your state). It seems to me that the court deciding how long these children will stay in your care is a circumstance beyond your control!

[wrekdiver]

I agree with irelady of checking with your union rep. But I would ask my supervisor about the procedure for leaving due to "unforseen circumstances" and find out who they consider an authority. They may take a DSS letter. The children's pediatrician is another resource.
A physician's letter for FMLA is like God Himself wrote it.