Foster Care

Sometimes it is hard to keep my focus amidst all of the things that I must do in a day. I have to constantly remind myself to stay on task and finish what I start before I move on to the next pressing matter. I am sure that many of you have felt that way. The constant need to keep all of the people in your family cared for- the desire to meet needs for everyone under your 'watch.' Taking care of your family has to start with taking care of yourself. I do not do well in this area. I voluntarily work while everyone else is sitting or resting. I use that time to catch up on things that I have neglected… [more]

Today, I have been thinking about the mass number of foster children I have routine contact with and wonder how in the world things have gotten to this point. It seems that in my area, the need for foster parents grows on a daily basis and the suitable homes are overflowing with kids. This is not a good thing. I worry about a world that has so many kids in need of rescuing. The good news is that there are many people stepping up to the plate. They want to make a difference in a child's life and are willing to invest themselves in the greater good. I love that. I heard a quote recently that put everything in perspective for me. It… [more]

One of the most traumatic things for a child to experience is the loss of a parent whether through divorce or death. This is magnified for the foster child who has a history of this type in their past. Yet, life happens. Sometimes marriages break up and people get hurt. Sometimes loved ones are lost. How does a foster parent keep going after that loss has occurred? Should they even try? I do not think that there is an easy answer to this question because there are so many factors to consider. First, how long has the child been with your family? Are you headed for adoption? Can you handle the emotional stress that is occurring and continue to offer a proper and… [more]

I am blessed to be writing you today and telling about a unique experience that I am getting. In May, I will be giving a speech/workshop on adoption and foster care/adoption. This is so exciting for me as it is certainly my passion. I have been planning in my head what information I want to pass along- the list is long. When I think about the foster care system, I think of children who deserve a normal life and the parents that make it their life calling to ensure that. I think of giving until there is no more to give and often seeing no results for all of the labor. Yet, that is only one side of the coin. Foster care offers… [more]

Sometimes on mornings like this I just want to crawl back into bed and sleep for another three or four hours. Doesn't that sound good? Yet, I know that there is a lot of work that must be done in this house, the lawn and with the kids. I know that my responsibilities for today alone could easily require 30 hours to complete. In lieu of all that I must do, I sit here on this fine morning and blog. Makes sense to me! Responsibility and respect for those under my care keeps me on track. There are many things that I would rather not do. I had to fold and put away the laundry this morning. I did not want to. Some… [more]

We have lost our sunshine. All of those posts about how beautiful it was outside and how happy I was that summer had come early this year- we are supposed to get snow by the end of the week. I had to laugh at myself for how downhearted that made me feel. I should expect this type of weather but somehow every year it sideswipes me and leaves me feeling as though someone took away my birthday. Perhaps that general feeling of desperation comes from the fact that when it is cold, the kids are inside more. I know that sounds terrible but it is so true. When they are outside, they make their messes out there. They work and play outside… [more]

I heard the saddest news yesterday when I was talking with a local third grade school teacher. She said that out of the 21 kids that she had in her class- 10 of them read at a first grade level. I really had to pity her. She is required to teach these children third grade material when over half of her class is not able to functionally read. This is not good. The area that she teaches is a lower income area. There are many children who are in and out of foster care in the town. Even with all of those reasons, my heart was still affected. These kids deserve better. That is where the foster families that are dedicated come… [more]

I am sitting in the waiting room looking around at the many people coming in and out of the area. This is a busy place this morning. The reason I am here, I talk about in my personal blog but suffice it to say, "I have a child in surgery." Sitting here has offered me time to think about the foster parents who voluntarily take children who have medical needs and sign up for a lifestyle of hospitals and doctor offices. I guarantee, this is not for the faint of heart. Yet, there are many children who need that person to step in and take over the role of mother/father AND advocate AND semi-medical professional. My middle son fell in that category. At… [more]

Yesterday I had lunch with the director of my foster care/adoption agency.  We coincidentally were at the same training so it was great to lunch with her, my case worker and the adoption case worker.  Our agency is undergoing a change right now, and we will no longer be taking foster-care placements from the state (Texas).  The agency is going back to it's original mission of infant adoption. I was curious about this decision, obviously, since I know the director has a real passion for older-child adoption.  . It was a lengthy conversation but basically, it boils down to this: I've known for some time that the way the state uses CPA's (child placing agencies) for foster care is unfair.  Basically, the… [more]

Here is a little something that I have noticed; when children go outside to play their perspective changes. The once tired, groggy child flies through the back door laughing and giggling- kicking off their shoes in their haste to tell you what they found or did. It is like someone turned a switch. Here in the Midwest, we do not get the out-of -doors times this time of year. It is cold and dreary. The kids fight. The snow turns to rain- except today. It is a great day when the windows can be opened to allow the fresh air to flow through the house and the children's voices can be heard in a distance as they run and play. I love that… [more]