[KelleyF]

I'm just wondering if many people e-mail the cw about how the visits go witht the bios. My cw has never offered me her e-mail address and I'm wondering if it's appropriate to ask for it.

Thanks

[snc2007]

I just emailed our cw tonight with a quick note! I think it is more convenient for both of us since she is hardly ever sitting at her desk waiting for the phone to ring and I'm usually running around too. I will add that I have never been offered a cell number by any cw. Good thing I have caller id!

[shan76]

I was never offered her email address, but i asked for it, and emailed all the time. That way should could respond on her own time, when it wasn't something urgent. It also helped sometimes to have things in writing. She seemed to like it just fine.

[chevyjewel]

I email my kids case worker regularly (a couple times a week usually). It's easier because we can both respond when we have a free second instead of one of us possibly interrupting something the other is elbows deep in.

Usually the responses I get are more in depth than those I get on the phone and in turn I don't forget things I'm trying to remember to cram in on a phone conversation.

[EandDmom]

I email our caseworker at least twice a week. Some days we send one back and forth 4 times in a day. I would definetly ask. It is so much easier than trying to get her on the phone plus I like having the documentation that I have told her something.

[Singlemom619]

Do you mean to ASK SW about the visits or to TELL her what happens?

If it is to TELL her then I would ask for her e-mail address and then e-mail her what happens - that way it's in writing.

If you're asking - yeah I'd probably still ask in e-mail that way it's in writing.

When it comes to SW's I want EVERYTHING in writing.

[mom2fabtwins]

I totally agree with singlemom619 - I want it in writing. I got a business card with email with my first placement and ask for it with every placement. We use first initials only, for confidentiality. I email at least twice a week. I have had to pull up previous emails for reference quite often. Sometime it really helps to make a point.

If I wait for the phone to ring I would go CRAZY and REALLY OLD lol!

[thelowlanders]

95% of the time, this is the ONLY way to get ahold of my CW. She loves to be kept posted on how FD is doing. But does not have the time for phone convo. I will not be able to get her by phone for weeks at a time, but will get an answer to email w/in days.

[stevenstwin]

Do you have to ask for it? Here all contact information is public record and pretty easy to find. I totally agree about wanting things in writing - but wanted to add - if it is about something REALLY important, write an actual letter. They have to be filed and dealt with - email is too easy to delete. Doesn't hurt to CC the supervisor if relevant as well.

[millie58]

I've never had an email address for any of the cw's. The latest gave me her card but there was no email address.

Originally Posted by KelleyF

I'm just wondering if many people e-mail the cw about how the visits go witht the bios. My cw has never offered me her e-mail address and I'm wondering if it's appropriate to ask for it.

Thanks

[Mkap]

My cw prefers email communication although she is not as forthcoming with information when it is in writing. However, I email regularly with questions, concerns and updates.

[jllambert]

Our CW's have their emails on their business cards and we get a card from every cw. I email all the time. I have had many cw's say they like emails better. I have found I usually get a reply quicker then waiting for phone calls to be returned. Also I save the emails I send incase there is ever a problem or qustion.

[Chancey]

The CW and I basically only email. I do try to catch her on the phone to get info that I KNOW she will not put in email. She also gave me her cell number for emergencies only. I did have to use it once during a hospital visit. Since then, she texts me occasionally if she is not in the office and needs something. It is nice to have the text contact, but I only use it if she sends first or if it is urgent!

[MomwithFive]

I used email to update my CW's and to send anything important I felt should be in writing and in the case file.

[SadieBella]

Hello,
I am a Children's Services ongoing casewoker and a prospective foster parent. (last part of the homestuday is Monday!) I have been reading alot of the posts on this forum and have found them to be quite helpful. This particular thread got me attention and feel compelled to post in response to some of the comments. To directly and simply answer the question, YES, you should get the CW's e-mail address. The papertrail is important and it gives everyone (both foster parent(s) and CW) the opportunity to answer when they have time. I would take it a step further and get the GAL's e-mail and include them as well.
I also wanted to make a general observation/comment about some of the comments made abaout caseworkers. While I understand (and know first hand) that some caseworkers are not as dedicated and quick to respond as we would like them to be, I think it is important to remind everyone of the CW's responsibilities and give you an idea about what an average worker's caseload is composed of and give you an idea of what is reasonable in terms of response time.
To give you an example of workload, I average 20 cases. On average, I am responsible for 80 kids on any given month. Most are court involved. For each of those cases, I get calls/e-mails from foster parents, service providers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, GAL's, schools, relatives, police officers, probation officers....I won't even go into responsibilities or my job description, this just gives you an idea of the volume of calls, letters, and e-mails that I receive on any given day. You might not get a response as quickly as you would like, but hopefully this helps understand why it might take some time to get back with you. Having said that, I feel that it is reasonable to get a response within 2 business days. If you do not get a response, I would encourage you to conatct the supervisor...if the supervisor doesn't call you back, I would go up the chain. You will eventually get someone's attention!
One final note. I saw a comment about the cell phone. Please undersatnd that like most "industries", the government is under tremedous financial constraints due to the economy. Agency cell phones are for emergency purposes only. I do give my foster parents my cell number but ask that they only use it in the event of an emergency. If they abuse it, I will not accept the call or pick up and ask them to leave a message in my office. I am accountable for my cell phone bill - to my employer and frankly, the tax payers.
Hopefully this helps. This journey of becoming a foster parent and working as a caseworker has been an interesting one for me. I think that I have a very unique perspective since I work within the "system" and am in the process of becoming a part of it.
This web site has been an excellent resource for me and have enjoyed learning about everyone's journey/experiences.