[jphollen]

We got a sibling group in early November. They had originally been in care since the youngest was born (exposed) and returned home this summer...and then removed in November. Long story short Bmom struggles with serious addiction issues. I was told she had a lot to do before she would be able to get her kids home. I have done a few things (get medical issues caught up, developmental evals, etc) to try and make that transition easier for her. I guess what I am trying to say is I knew these kids would be working towards going home and I am very supportive of that.

A week or so ago the WIC case manager told me she had talked to the CW and she had told her I would have the kids for 3 months. Yesterday I mentioned that to the CW and she said yes that's how long the safety plan is written for. Ok, I know bmom has some rights to privacy and I don't want to know her particulars...but couldn't I have been told this a long time ago? I like the caseworker the kids have she is caring and easy to deal with...but I kinda wonder why no one just didn't say this was really short term? When I was told she would have to do A LOT to have a second r/u I think that implied a longer time didn't it?

[Singlemom619]

That's what the plan says - BUT the doesn't mean it'll happen that fast. I've never seen things happen as fast as they say they will.

[shycar]

Yup its normal to have a plan or goal, but that does not mean it will happen. Most sw will not say how long, becouse they usually are not sure. They dont want to say 3 months and then 3 months pass and the kids are still there and the foster parents get upset becouse they only planned to have the child for 3 months. Ive seen that happen.

[jphollen]

I am really frustrated in part because I have spent countless hours getting forms signed, calling for services, outreach and who knows what else to get the 10 year old intensive counseling about a half an hour from my home. Of course I still can't get him in until the first of the year. But this will be 2 hours from his bio home. Just frustrated if I would have known I may have been able to set something else up closer to his house.

CW did say she fully expects them to r/u after court in Feb. I hear ya, with it may not happen. Just frustrated at the lack of info and not being on the same page.

[Singlemom619]

Originally Posted by jphollen

I am really frustrated in part because I have spent countless hours getting forms signed, calling for services, outreach and who knows what else to get the 10 year old intensive counseling about a half an hour from my home. Of course I still can't get him in until the first of the year. But this will be 2 hours from his bio home. Just frustrated if I would have known I may have been able to set something else up closer to his house.

CW did say she fully expects them to r/u after court in Feb. I hear ya, with it may not happen. Just frustrated at the lack of info and not being on the same page.

I was told my last placement was going to be only for the summer (3 months from the end of June to August.)

The oldest went to a relative 11 months later. The youngest is still with us and it's been 19 months - turning to adoption next year.

[Kat-L]

Originally Posted by Singlemom619

I was told my last placement was going to be only for the summer (3 months from the end of June to August.)

The oldest went to a relative 11 months later. The youngest is still with us and it's been 19 months - turning to adoption next year.

CW's never know how a case will go. I was called in August 07 for a baby boy for one night. They weren't even sure if he was coming into care. They asked me if I could keep him overnight (just in case). They ended up calling me to pick him up. The CW then said "Can you keep him for 2 days because we have a hearing?". That hearing had a continuance and they asked if I could keep him a couple of more days. Court was "continued" several times and he didn't even have an actual hearing until October. The caseplan was reunion for January. The birthmom completed her caseplan and a court date was set for reunion. A few days before court, b-mom asked to relinquish. Then she changed her mind and wanted to reunite. Then she had a set back and he was kept in care with a goal of "reunion". In July, they had a hearing and B-mom was going backwards instead of forwards with her caseplan and goal was changed to concurrent planning. In August, she found friends to take guardianship. The friends pass the homestudy and started having visits (including overnights). In September, the CW told me the goal was changed to adoption (by me!). The guardians were "out". In October, b-mom agreed to relinquish. Now, we're in mediation for adoption.

So..you NEVER, EVER know how a case will go. A case that is supposed to be a quick reunion can go on for months and months and end up as adoption. A case destined for adoption can quickly become reunion. There is just no way to plan for it. I can't tell you how many times I got ready to say "goodbye" to "Brandon". Never, in a million years, did I ever think he'd be my son. Yet, here we are.

[jphollen]

I totally understand that they may or may not go home in three months. I just wish I was told "the plan" from day one...that's all.

[Singlemom619]

Originally Posted by jphollen

I totally understand that they may or may not go home in three months. I just wish I was told "the plan" from day one...that's all.

I am with you there. I get so mad when I find out that DSS knows things and hasn't told me - I don't mean the confidential stuff - stuff about when visits are, the plan and timelines, etc.