[Original Mike]

Remember in "Star Wars' how Darth Vader had the power to use his mind to choke people? I really, REALLY want that now!

I just got off a conference call with both Amy and the brothers' worker. Seems the group home director doesn't feel they should be discharged to me on Thursday. He cites three reasons:

1. Since he told them that they would be moving in with me, the boys have shown a tendency towards pushing the home's limits.

2. R, the younger brother, has been found to have a VERY high IQ, but he is "not motivated to achieve his full potential" and they think starting a new round of therapy there would help. (Keep in mind, they discharged him from therapy a year ago.)

3. (This one REALLY steamed me!) The direcotr is "not sure", but they "may have" not have completed all of the paperwork necessary for A to start college this fall. he feels that they could still get it done if they had more time.

They boys' worker asked me if any of this caused me concern. I told her that 1 is expected and 2 and 3 are right up my alley. As a professional bureaucrat who stresses education, I think I can get some things done.

Then, the director told the worker that "if I still wanted to take these two", they would need 30 days notice to provide transport to my house. Ironically, my nephew was over last night and I told him "I bet the group home pulls out of the transport agreement." Lo and behold!

Their worker asked if I could "make Thursday happen". I told her my nephew had already put himself and his truck on standby to help in case I ended up having to move the boys.

Dinner is still on for tonight. I have a feeling the direcot won't be welcoming me with open arms. And, yes, I think I'll be wearing my most disconcerting black clothing. Now, where did I leave that lightsaber.....

[aMarylandfamily]

... that even with some challenges (all teens have them!) that these two are easier than many they have had or will have and want to get through the Summer with them vs. taking new ones til school resumes ...

I'd say "go get them" but do so following all the rules

[crick]

So it's a money thing?

Doesn't make sense otherwise because the group home director *should* want the boys to leave if they have a home and people who want them. Or is it just a control factor of things not being done on HIS terms?

I mean, really??

Don't forget...Lea was great with a saber too...

[lucyjoy]

That makes NO sense on any level(which is, from my experience, a requirement for working in a group home).

Hope he doesn't get away with this.

[Original Mike]

Maryland,

I totally share your view. Lets hold onto these two payments, er, kids, and hope we dont get any kid with major issues in their places.

Lucy,

YOU know me well enought to answer the part about getting away with anything. I've already spoken to an attorney friend who said "It would seem that if THEY screwed up the paperowk for this kid's college, they might find themselves paying for his tuition."

Amy even commented about the director. "This poor man has NO IDEA who he just ticked off."

[Lorraine123]

I thought the same thing when I read Lucy's comment - They have no idea who they are dealing with!!!!! Fight it Mike. This sounds as if they have done something wrong and are trying to cover their butts.

[SuzBerg]

SERIOUSLY?!?.....Kind of makes you want to bang your head against something hard OR choke someone . GO Mike! (I'd wish you good luck but I think the director of the group home will need it more than you - when you get done with them )

[kay]

Kinda confirms my feelings about group homes, from years ago. They're interested in what's best for them, not what's best for the kids in their care. What they're telling you is ludicrous!

GO, MIKE!!!!!

[Barksum]

I'm with everyone else: GO, MIKE!!

Like the new avatar, btw.

[po]

Have you got a dark pin stripped suit and a violin. Years ago when my boys were in grade school the school board was trying to get rid of a teacher that almost had tenure. She was an excellent teacher. Us parents were fighting it. One of the men was an Italian, dark complected. He wore a dark pin stripped suit like the mob and brought his violin case. The school board was very intimidated. Good luck. Do the boys have a CASA or guardian ad litem. Do they have a suregate parent to speak up for the education part. Most foster parents have to have that training now. There is also one over each district that is the head of that district. You are right when it comes to money, it seems everything is a money game anymore. Go to the state board of education if necessary to get what he needs educationally.

[Lylac]

I just had to laugh at this..it's sad and wrong I know. But these folks don't knw what kinda demon they have just unleashed upon themselves. You get em Mike!! I'm sure we can find a few pins for Lucy's voodoo doll.

[Original Mike]

Well, it looks like me reputation has preceded me. They boys' worker called the group home guy back and told him that DCS has authorized the placement effective Thursday. She also said she told him that "Mike is very well-versed and well-connected, so we need to make this smooth."

This afternoon, I called GHG (Group Home Guy) and this is sort of how the conversation went:

Mike: Hi, this is Mike, I'm just confirming that R and A will be ready for me to pick them up for dinner tonight at 6pm. I have a conference call with my attorney, but I'll do that in the car on the way down so I won't be late.

GHG: I'll have them ready at 6pm.

Mike: Yes, you will. I will be keeping them the full three hours and returning them at 9pm.

GHG: That's fine. in fact, i can authorize 9:30.

Mike: Thank You. You have also been told that I will be coming to pick them up for the move at 1pm on Thursday. Correct?

GHG: yes, their worker faxed the paperwork today.

Mike: Good. I will expect that you WILL have them fully packed and ready to go at 1pm and no later. We want to be on the road by 1:15pm. And I don't want any more surprises.

GHG: I'll have them ready at 1pm, but you might need to amek more than one trip since...

Mike: my nephew will be with me in his truck. one trip will suffice. See you at 6pm tonight.

[Mkuhlmann06]

LOL -- Im so glad he seemed to have changed his tune.

[aspenhall]

WAHOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo

[Barksum]

And you didn't even show him the violin case?? Dang! I was looking forward to hearing about it. I suppose being decisive and mentioning the lawyer is sort of like waving the violin case, verbally, but still. Sigh. I guess we can just hope for more word pictures after you pick the boys up on Thursday.