I am a foster parent. I know how the system works. I know what it is supposed to do. I know what happens when what is is supposed to do can not be accomplished. Which is why I am a foster-adopt parent.
Oliver was in the system nearly a year before he came into our home. That's something of a "lower legal risk" in the world of foster-adoption; the relatives have all been screened, the bio parents are already way behind on their case plan, the CASA has already said that this is just not working out for the child. The clock has been ticking long enough for everyone to feel the story winding to its inevitable conclusion.
Taking a newborn is a very high legal risk. I know this. Dh knows this.
We did it anyway.
And today, at 3:30 p.m., I'll be taking Siddalee to a DSHS office to be dropped off with her maternal aunt. The selfsame maternal aunt who was passed over by the social workers due to her past drug history and a very long record of criminal charges. Aunt only managed to get custody of Siddalee thanks to her lawyer, who put in a petition with family court.
And won, of course. Because blood is thicker than water as far as the family court system is concerned.
I know how the system works. But that doesn't mean I like it.
6 comments:
Oh man. My heart goes out to you. May this aunt be a good fit for the child, even though she doesn't seem to be at all. And if not, may the right thing be done.
Hang in there, Mary!
~Luke
I don't have any great words of comfort, but I wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and your family, and we are praying for Siddalee.
Anne
Oh Mary Grace...I have been following your story on and off since the beginning of Oliver...
Will be remembering you in our prayers.....
OH, Mary Grace...I am so sorry. I wish I could come over and give oyu a big hug (I know you need it). My prayers are with you all cousin.
oh mary grace, may god comfort you. he has a plan.
Oh, I'm so sorry. If we weren't confident that God was the perfect manager of Siddalee's life, the news about her placement would be intolerable. Mercifully, He is. We will all pray for her. You might not know until you get to heaven what part you played in His plan for her, but I know it was significant.
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