When we decided to become foster parents, we had no idea just how heart wrenching it would be and how many times we would go through having to pack up a child, knowing they were going to a place that was not in their best interest. Many times, you are given only hours notice that your foster child is leaving. I don't know if that's good or bad. Sometimes, knowing that your foster child is leaving in a matter of days or weeks is torture.
Dealing with CPS caseworkers who are overloaded with cases is the biggest struggle. Each of our foster children's caseworkers have had at least 30 cases, which ensures they can not devote the time needed to work each one efficiently and have any kind of life outside of their work. But, in my opinion, this is the job they chose and it involves determining how the rest of child's life will play out. We have brought concerns to caseworker's attention when it comes to a parent's behavior during visits, disturbing things we have seen on a parent's Facebook page and even things these parents have told us themselves, and most of the time, it as been ignored. This is incredibly frustrating when your number one priority is the safety and well being of this child that you love.
Dealing with CPS caseworkers who are overloaded with cases is the biggest struggle. Each of our foster children's caseworkers have had at least 30 cases, which ensures they can not devote the time needed to work each one efficiently and have any kind of life outside of their work. But, in my opinion, this is the job they chose and it involves determining how the rest of child's life will play out. We have brought concerns to caseworker's attention when it comes to a parent's behavior during visits, disturbing things we have seen on a parent's Facebook page and even things these parents have told us themselves, and most of the time, it as been ignored. This is incredibly frustrating when your number one priority is the safety and well being of this child that you love.
Since starting foster care, I'm definitely a little more rough around the edges. Having to continually fight to ensure the welfare of your foster child can be exhausting, mostly because a good deal of the time, you're fighting against the very people entrusted to protect them. But don't be afraid to speak up until someone starts listening. It's worth it for these kids.
Here's a list of things you may do that you didn't previous to becoming a foster parent:
Here's a list of things you may do that you didn't previous to becoming a foster parent:
1) cuss a lot (specifically when speaking about anyone from Child Protective Services)
2.) start drinking, just kidding
3.) rethink your life choices
4.) google "how to get a judge fired"
5.) Facebook stalk parents!!!
6.) start filling out an application to become a CPS caseworker, so you can do it the right way!!
7.) write a letter to your foster child's attorney, telling him he/she should consider a different career
8.) have a renewed distaste for anything beurocratic
9.) look at random people with children in the grocery store, park etc. and wonder if they are part of a CPS case
10.) contemplate planting drugs on someone......again, kidding.....it was a fleeting thought 😛
Emojis Most Often Used When Texting Others to Vent About CPS
I hopefully will be adding to this blog weekly, with helpful tips and experiences. Until next time...
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