We just had a parent teacher conference yesterday, and were very frustrated with J's declining grades this past quarter, especially since she is so bright and capable of doing the work.

We recently came up with a new system for her to keep track of her homework and turn it in on time. If you saw her backpack it would be obvious that she is not very organized. To be fair, organization is not high on the priority list of an 11 year-old girl, especially if it has something to do with school (which she doesn't like).

So, the new system includes a separate folder for work that is done, and needs to be turned in. It's not that she doesn't do the work (although sometimes she rushes... more

Until she tells you that she can spell if she hears the words, how the word is spelled. This starts to make sense when you realize that she can quote every line of every movie she has ever seen, and she makes plays with her American Girls CD and the computer, and the scenes are played back with a computerized voice reading the lines. Could it be that there is no correlation between the written word and how it is spelled, but when it is heard it all clicks in her mind?

That's not the way most people do it, and that's not how the test is administered, so is it any wonder that she fails the tests? I wonder if this frustration with spelling has something to do with not liking school,... more

We received our adoption re-certification in the mail yesterday. Woo-Hoo! Now all we have to do is wait for a court date for the adoption finalization. It's been just over one year since we met our daughter, and we can't wait for her to finally, officially be with her forever family. And neither can she. Not that it will totally change her attitude in regards to her feeling entitled to anything and everything that she thinks she should have, but maybe she'll begin to appreciate all that we have done for her and will continue to do. She has also given a lot to us, and when all the dogs are so excited to see her when she comes home from school, it brings a smile to our faces.

Sarah,... more

Meth Epidemic

I watched Frontline the other night on the local PBS station, and I was amazed at the Meth problem that we are currently experiencing in this country! I knew that it was bad here in Arizona, but it is now spreading across the country. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive (and cheap) drug, that gives the user a very good feeling when they are high, due to large amounts of Dopamine being released in the brain. One puff of the drug can keep someone high all day.

The Frontline story was about a guy who worked for the DEA back in the day, and how he actually went to these big companies all over the world that were manufacturing an ingredient needed to make speed... more

What is a Chafee Plan?

A Chafee plan is a plan written by each individual state to outline the state’s implementation of the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (FCIA), or John H. Chafee Independence Program. FCIA was signed into law on December 14, 1999, and replaced the former Title IV-E Independent Living Initiative (established in 1986). The law offers help to youth transitioning from foster care. Among other improvement, the new Chafee Independence Program:

· Increases funding for independent living activities, · Offers increased assistance, including room and board, for young people ages 18-21 who are leaving foster care, · Emphasizes the importance of securing... more

This article appeared in the local newspaper, the Arizona Republic, and also the online newsletter by the Administrative Office of the Courts, (DCSD) Dependent Children’s Services Division. It was reprinted in our CASA newsletter for January 2006, and I though it was worth sharing. It was written by Bill Stanton, a former foster child, and is titled:

“What Happens to Foster Children When They Grow Up?”

It seems we can’t pick up the paper or turn on the televisions these days without reading or hearing about a child who has been abused or neglected by their parents. These stories range from a child welfare agency losing a child in the system to children being kept in cages.

Do... more

Two years ago, at the age of 43, I received a call that my biological mom had passed away. My first emotion was not grief. My first thought was, “Wow, I guess I really am never going home,” and because of this my first emotion was sadness.

Here I am, an adult with a family, somewhat successful – and somewhere deep inside I never let go of that hope. Foster children today hold onto that same hope.

Think about the benefit foster children could have if we “alumni” of foster care stepped forward and spent a little time with abused and neglected children. Think of the impact we could have if we were the people that look up to because we lived through what they are living through.

Maybe... more

Investigation

Investigation, as defined by ACYF, is the initial process of screening and recording information to determine the risk to children, and the need for protection. The investigation is the first step in the CPS process. It is the point where reports are received regarding children who are suspected of being abused or neglected. The investigation requires information be gathered that determines the validity of the report, addresses the concerns and fears of the reporter, and check records to see if the family reported is already known to DES or other agencies in the community.

All abuse and neglect calls are taken through a centralized hotline. The hotline operator... more

Child Protective Services

Thus far, we have discussed the history, the legal process, and some fun stuff in regards foster care. Today, I continue with some info about Child Protective Services and their role in the whole foster care system...

In the Administration of Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), case management is defined as a series of related decisions, actions, and processes which are guided by assessment and ongoing evaluation of progress toward mutually agreed upon goals. Case management is a method of integrating and coordinating multiple services for multiple problems. The case manager, the family, members of the service team, and others involved share participation... more

The subject of foster care is very serious, and for most people it elicits strong emotional feelings. So to counteract some of that seriousness, I will attempt to include some light-hearted info in my blog on a daily (or at least weekly) basis. While this is not as light-hearted as the last fun stuff, it is still good. I like to find unusual things and let you know about them.

Children Learn What They Live Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism, He learns to condemn, If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight. If a child lives with fear, He learns to be apprehensive. If a child lives with pity, He learns... more