[wantonemore]

Hey ya'll!

Well, I am now onto foster kids number six and seven (in 5 months). Geesh... I remember when I worried that the phone would never ring for the first time!

Anyhow, yesterday I was given two beautiful girls, ages three and six. Apparently, there was abuse reported by the older brothers, claiming that g-ma (who lives with them) did it, along with injuries from an another older brother. The parents left all kids with g-ma (there are 7) while they went on a trip a few hours away.

The parents (from what I hear) have had an "open case plan, with services" for almost a year but no removal of the kids till yesterday. The Mom was going to drive back and should appear at the dshs office this morning with a "plan". I was told that the kids might be returning home with her.

Well, last night ~ both girls told me that both their mom and dad spank them with a belt. I was shocked! Is that legal? Isn't that, by itself, abuse? I, of course, sent an email to the social worker asking him to call me first thing in the morning... but can this be a deal breaker?

Then, I told the 6yo... that I bet she sure loved her mom, though... and she said "Yes, but I don't think she KNOWS how to love me..." Ohh.... : (

Also, any info on dealing with ringworm? First time I have seen it! Poor little three year old has an angelic halo of blonde hair...except for a bald patch caused by ringwrom!

Thanks for any and all help, everyone!

[michsm]

My daughter has always gotten ringworm, can be brought back out by stress. The dr has always prescribed a presciption anti-fungal. I dont know if over the counter will work as well but you can try something like a athletes foot cream. They are all actually the same thing except with different names; athletes foot, ring worm, jock itch. I think there may also be a special shampoo.

It is also very contagious. It can be spread by direct or indirect contact, brushes, towles, clothing, sheets etc.. Even when you think it is gone you have to keep treating it. That is why my daughters never seems to go away. She is 14 and puts the cream on until she doesnt see it anymore. Then when something stressful occurs she has another outbreak.

Hope this helps.

[arbuckle17]

In our state at least

It is illegal to use any sort of physical punishment that leaves a mark. So if the spanking left marks it is abuse, if it didn't it is not illegal.

As a foster parent; however it is illegal for you to use any form of physical punishment.

See a doc about the worm, they should be able to give you an ointment for it.

[DianeS]

Ringworm on the scalp MUST be seen by a doctor. Scalp ringworm requires oral medications, it won't be cured by the OTC ointments that you can use on the rest of the body. Ringworm is not usually a big deal, but on the scalp it is.

If it were me, I'd try to get them in today, asap, just in case they go home with mom today.