This is where the foster children’s future will be talked about and how they are coping. The meeting should take place every six months to discuss the progress, or lack of it. This meeting should take place at child welfare offices with the biological and foster parents both being invited along with child welfare staff (can also include CASA worker, other persons representing the foster children, lawyers for biological parents, or biological family members).

Sometimes the foster parents are given less than 24 hours notice which can make things difficult. Check to see if you can participate by telephone which I have done. I have also had my caseworker from the private agency I foster for to sit in when I could not attend.

Foster parents do have the right to keep their full names private while attending meetings and signing paperwork. Remember the biological parents will also be signing in on the same page as you. Personally, when I sign into the child welfare office I sign “Foster Parent (then the foster child’s last name)”. When I sign paperwork I sign “Foster Parent”.

Information that will be asked of the foster parent is doctor, dentist or therapy appointments information, developmental, any concerns, progress of the child, changes or behaviors in the child, how does the child get along with others, school, etc.

The plan for the biological parents will be discussed in detail what they need to do to get their children back and the progress that they are making towards their plan. You can also learn if other family members or thinking of stepping up to care for the children at this meeting.

For the foster parent this meeting is more about learning what is happening with the case and what direction things are going. Personally, I have found you learn more by just answering the questions you’re asked, without adding your personal opinion about the situation, and just listening.

If it appears that the biological parents are not working their plan to get their children back and the discussion turns to other options besides the children returning, quietly listen. If you have considered adopting these children (if it becomes an option) this is not the time to voice it unless you are asked directly.

Please remember things will differ from state to state and with different agencies.

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More reading:

Caseworkers in The System

Laws Helping or Hurting Foster Care

South Carolina is Working to Improve Foster Adoption