A Little Foster Care Terminology

It has been pointed out to me that sometimes I use terminology that is exclusive to foster care or adoptions. Here are a few that I can think of at this time.

AW - Adoption Worker
LW - Licensing Worker
SW - Social Worker
CW - case worker, I mostly call my case workers SW
GAL - Guardian Ad Litem, they represent the child in the case.
CASA - some states use a Court Appointed Special Advocate instead of a GAL.
TPR - termination of parental rights

In SC when children come into care DSS must go to court within 72 to determine if there is just cause to keep the children in care. So when we receive foster children we have no clue how long we will have them for. It could be just a day if a family member comes forward, three days if they determine there wasn't just cause, months as the parents work their case plan, years until TPR or never if you chose to adopt them after TPR.

I will add to the list as I hit upon them.

Anyone else out there care to add?

Great Weekend

On Friday I went to see my SW (social worker) to get my picture taken and she seemed shocked that we were still going to the beach. I told her that we had promised the kids we were going and to cancel because of a few extra kids would not be fair. So we packed the SUV and David and Tasha's pick up truck. It is truly amazing how much stuff you need for two babies!
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The weather was great and the condo was nice, three bedrooms and two bathrooms with a view of the ocean. There were enough adults there that John and I were able to get out in the morning and the evenings for a little together time.
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I think that I enjoy the early morning time the best, the scene is all set for a day of fun but it is so quiet and calm.
The place we stayed at had a kiddie pool, regular pool, lazy river, basketball pool and hot tub.

Kiwi wasn't so sure about going into the water on the first day.
John tried to coax her in........

Anthony and Larissa were all into the water this year. They loved playing in the waves.

However, when the waves got too big Larissa headed for the photographer (her rock).

The kids enjoyed playing with David.........

and Tasha.

I may still find some sand in those chubby thighs.

When seeing the babies it makes me realize how big my little ones have gotten!

Sarah and Aunt Cindy took off together for many adventures. My battery in my camera died and I didn't get any pictures of them! I sorely wanted one of them together after they went boogie boarding, they looked like drowned rats. Oh well, maybe it is for the best.

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On Sunday Kiwi decided that she did like the pool.......while riding on my hip. She wrapped one arm around my arm and was content. She was so happy that I spent too long in the pool and now am wondering why the seams on my shirt seem to be digging into my red shoulders.

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We had a great weekend and don't even have much laundry thanks to the washer and dryer in our condo. Tomorrow the kids are back to school and our crazy life gears up again.

Sand

Quick note, we are having a great time at Myrtle Beach. The weather is great, no sign that Hurricane Earl came close.

We have sand everywhere, in our hotel, in our clothes, in our hair, in all the babies layers of fat (I may never find it all) and burning sand under our toes.

We head home tomorrow and I will share some pictures. My camera died so I can't take anymore, I will survive but I am not happy.

The new babies are doing fine. We were surprised last night when we went to Planet Hollywood to celebrate my son in laws promotion to sergeant that Kiwi did so well. She sat with us and ate great. Kiwi is showing some signs of anxiety. She has become very whinny and clingy, that is to be expected. She is too young to really understand what is going on.

Well, Kiwi is up from her nap so I am taking three little ones to the pool and leave John on baby duty. Have a great Labor Day.

We are heading to the beach today. I do believe that I have mentioned that I procrastinate. Of course, getting two kids two days ago slowed me down a little more. I didn't hear from the SW so I wentto Goodwill this morning to get some baby clothing. I needed to get it early so I could wash it before we left.
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While I was gone the licensing worker came by to get pictures of John and I for our file. Well, I wasn't there. She told John that someone had a bag of clothing for the girls. Well, that doesn't help me today. I would have to wash them before using them anyways. Besides it is noon and they haven't showed up yet.
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So, I am taking a break from packing. Whatever I forget we will just do without.

Jason stopped by and I put him to work.

I just got a call from Kim. Joselin took a test to try and get in Job Corps. She didn't do too well. Today they were having a big meeting to determine her options. They offered her a chance to get her degree if she did two years and summer school. She decided to take that option. I am glad that she made that decision.
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Well, lunch is here and then back to packing.

Yesterday these children were brought into my home and placed in my care.

Today the SW did not get back with me with any clothing so I went out and bought a few more things. She says that there is clothing that is going to come. I have no idea if it is in good shape, fits, or appropriate for the current season.

I also asked her several questions and she promised to get back with me today, she hasn't yet.

Are they on WIC? I only have one can of formula.

Who is their doctor? Would be nice to know. She did say that their immunizations are up to date.

Any known allergies or health concerns? Would be real nice to know that.

Medicaid card? Another would be nice to have.
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Basically, all I know is that their shots are up to date. I took them with me today to Larissa's doctor appointment. I asked them to weigh the baby because she seems so big. At 6 months she weighs 21 lbs. Kiwi has some little welts, look like bites of some type. They seem to be in good health to me. They do not give the kids any type of physical before they bring them to you. Thankfully, no lice.
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We made it out twice today in the car. I need to get used to the logistics of all those car/booster seats. By time I get used to it, the kids will go home! Seems like every time a child goes home I am left with the feeling that I forgot something every time I leave the house.
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The baby has already learned my voice. Every time she hears me talking she will turn her head to look at me and give me a grin. Kiwi decided today that she was ready to chill on my lap and so she did just that. She is at the stage right now where she will cry whenever I leave the room.
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Typical fostering day...........Today was my school day so I spent the day with the kids, Sarah got home at 3:30 and took over so I could go to class, John was coming home tonight for a long weekend and got home an hour later. Sarah finished dinner that I had started after John got home. Everyone sits down to eat......the doorbell rings. Surprise, the GAL has come to see the kids. We didn't know that they had a GAL yet. We weren't informed that she would come by. She comes by at dinner time after a day of having kids run around the house. Thankfully, I did pick up the living room before I left. But, geez, welcome to foster care.
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You actually give up a lot when you chose to foster. Privacy, there is none. I know some people who have quit because they did not like all the invasion into their lives. I know that it just comes with the territory. I do like to have a heads up before anyone comes to my house though. How do we know that this lady is their GAL? The GAL did tell John that the court date has been moved to Tuesday, typical.
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I know that I seem to be complaining, but it is what it is. The unknown and lack of information is common. I must say, I do like the SWers here. I have not had an issue with any of them and appreciate all the work they do. It seems like every year they get their budgets cut and do more with less employees.
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Well, enough of the ranting, I am going to check on sleeping babies and then start packing. Tomorrow we are heading to Myrtle Beach. DSS has given us permission to take the babies with us so they get to go play in the sand. We have planned this for a while, long before Hurricane Earl. Thankfully, that has passed.

Larissa is lovin it. She is enjoying being a mamma's helper. I wonder how long it will last.

It has been a long morning. The 20 month old, who I will call Kiwi, is terrified of Lucy (our dog). Drop down on the floor and scream scared of Lucy. So, this morning Cindy came by to take the dog to her house. She has been wanting my dog. Lucy is so sweet, I hated to see her go but I can't keep her separated from the kids forever.

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Larissa wasn't going to school this morning because we were going to the doctors. So, Sarah stayed home while I dropped Anthony off then she caught the bus. I had to wake both the babies up at 8 so we could make it to the doctors on time. They both slept through the night.

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The blood work for Larissa was terrible. She pulled her arm back and had to get stuck twice. She cried and cried, I bribed with a shopping trip for a toy. I hope that she doesn't need frequent blood work. If so, I will start scheduling it on Mondays when John is home!

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So, naturally after we left the doctors we had to head to KMart. I wasn't up to the Walmart lines. Larissa ended up picking out the Mickey Mouse Playhouse and got a bonus of a Hanna Montana shirt. Three kids 4 and under is going to take some getting used to.

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DSS told me that they would bring clothing over today. I am waiting to see if they do before I go buy more. I expect that I will need to buy some stuff, it would be nice to get some basics though. It is a good thing I bought some yesterday otherwise they would be nakie today. I haven't heard from them yet so I don't know, I think I may need to do more shopping soon.

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Kiwi is napping and the baby refuses to sleep, sigh......

It is just after noon and I need a nap!

2 Under 2

I got a call today at noon. Would we take two girls, an 8 month old and a 2 year old. I said yes. I asked a few questions and about sizes. I was told that they would bring them at 4pm.

Larissa got off her bus at 12:30 and we went to Walmart to shop. I needed two car seats, playpen, toys, clothing, etc. Before our last move I had everything for two babies. During our move we got rid of all of it.

I have been acquiring some items at garage sales but haven't gone crazy with it since I had no idea what age we would get. I didn't expect two under two.

Larissa helped me shop. We got a few garage sale items out of storage.

I had to buy Larissa a pink booster seat, hers was a boring grey...oh and McDonalds since we missed lunch. (Spoiled remember)

So welcome child A, 20 months old.

And baby B, 6 months old.

They came with the clothing on their backs, two bottles, a sippy cup and two diapers. Another foster family offered up a can of formula when they dropped two older siblings at their home. There are 4 kids all together, no foster family here has enough openings to take that many. We have two openings, that is all we can legally take.

Dinner was KFC. Macaroni and cheese with mashed potatoes and gravy, what young child could resist. Larissa gave up her seat and moved to the big kid side of the table, she was so proud.

I really need a double stroller and a high chair. I guess I will watch Craigslist for awhile. They go to court on Friday to see if they stay in care. The plan is that they will, but I know how things could change. They could leave on Friday. If they do, then we are ready for the next ones.

For those of you who think that folks do foster care for money, I will say that in South Carolina I can't imagine that they would be clearing much. We make $332/month/kid. All the items I purchased today were out of my pocket. We do foster care for the kids, because we know that in our home they are safe.

It has been a long day, should I clean up?

I think I will go study instead. More tomorrow.....