[jwdcreations]

Those in the PS-MAPP classes...how did you write your letters? I have been struggling with writing them for weeks. They just don't sound right. They're supposed to be short but yet they want you to include so much stuff (hobbies, rules, family time, etc). I just don't know what to do. Plus I don't know how identifying I should be--should I name where we work, go to church, our parents, our neighborhood or just describe our jobs & stuff.

We had to hand in our parents letter last week--I still don't like it though. I'm hoping they can give me some clarity. I usually don't have too much trouble writing but these are really getting to me.

Thanks!

[DiamondzR]

Hi
In my letter to the children I wanted to first let the child know that I was not trying to replace their parents. I emphasized that I was there to help them as children and also help their parents. My job was to put myself out of a job if you want to call it that. I let them know that I have been through many struggles when I was a child and that I had made it through. I stressed that it was important to be where they were today so they could go on to leading enriching, fulfilling lives. My role was really closely related to being a guidance counselor. I let them know they would be working together with specialists to reach the primary goal of reunification with their parents and if that couldnt be achieved there were other options available to them. Just for your information my letter was written with the teenager in mind.
A suggestion for younger children would be to let them know that again you are not trying to replace their parent and you are not mad at their parents but give them "permission" to be mad. Let them know that life is NOT fair and they did not cause whatever happened. Let them know that you will be helping their parents get them back and you will try to have some fun in the process.
Hope this helps.

[Ms. Jackie]

I finished MAPP in January and was a foster kid for ten years, so I just answered the kinds of things I was curious/concerned about when I entered care and the things I could see a parent being concerned about. Both of my letters were pretty similar, but the child one was much more simply phrased.

-The fact that I am here to help the child AND family and that I want to take care of the child so the family can work on getting stronger and then I want to send the child back home to the parents.
-Stating that while my first priority is the child, I also want to do what I can to help the parents get through this tough time in their life.
-Telling them that unless DHS has said it is not okay, I will be trying to get ahold of the parents within a day or two of the placement to report on how their child is doing.
-That it would probably help the child to feel better if they would send them a letter, some photos, etc. from home. They can give these items to the case worker to give to the child.
-That I would like to start trying to arrange some phone calls or visits as soon as DHS will allow.
-That one of the rules in my home is to call me Jackie or Aunt Jackie, and that I discourage all foster children from calling me mom because I am not their mom.
-That I will not say negative things about the child's parents or other family and will not tolerate anyone else doing it, as I feel it is not our place to judge and it is only hurtful to the child to hear bad things about people they love.

Feel free to use any of this that might help. Good luck.