Kentucky

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May is Foster Care awareness month in Kentucky

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Aging Out Can No Longer be at 18

I have not been very good about writing lately. (S) has not been sleeping at all and as a result, neither are we. It makes for little ambition during the course of the day.

We have seen some improvements, but they are very slow. Almost at a snail's pace. On the bright side, she is still a cheery and wonderful child to have around the house and she does make us laugh at least once or twice every day.

I came across this editorial from a Pennsylvania newspaper this weekend. It is right on and in support of additional assistance for children "aging out" of the foster care system. I have mentioned this problem several times ehre and while there are many states that have some kind of a program in place, they are not always comprehensive and there are still many states that have nothing for these children that reach age 18.

There is one line in this editorial by Jeanette Krebs that really sums it up best:

"It is a sad commentary that kids who have been abused or neglected by no fault of their own wind up with little or no support when they become young adults."

You can check out the entire editorial here:

http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2009/04/tough_future_for_teens_aging_o.html

Eda LaShan, author and psychologist is quoted as saying:

"Becoming responsible adults is no longer a matter of whether children hang up there pajamas or put dirty towels in the hamper, but whether they care about themselves and others"

How can we expect them to care about themselves or others if we toss them out at 18 and just say "Good Luck"?

Life Doesn't Always go On.

There is a story from the Miami Herald relating to the death of a 7 year old foster child. I don't want to get too into it here as it is very depressing, but here is the link:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/5min/story/1005550.html

I just have one question: Where does a 7 year old child learn this? There has to be something drastically wrong. There are certain things that shouldn't be learned at such a young age. While it is important to investigate to find out why it happened, they also need to find out how the child knew this.....or is this something you learn at that young an age? I don't think so. Does anyone?

Yes, I know I have gone for a while. Life has gotten so hectic and we are not sleeping at all. (S) will not make it through any night and it is really taking its toll on us. We are hopeful that the therapy will start providing some relief soon as it is beginnning to have quite a negative impact on us.

We will persevere!

Good things Happening in Massachusetts

There are two good articles to read about good things happening in Massachusetts. Both have to do with people donating or raising money for Foster programs. One is a former governor who has given 159000
Another is about a camp counselor riding a bike across country to raise money for a camp for foster kids. These are nice stories to read on the Easter Sunday.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6369443.html

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/12/a_journey_of_awareness_for_foster_care/

Too Old for Foster Care, and Facing the Recession

That is the headline from an article in the New York Times......the link is below

Think about it.......Just turning 19 and no longer able to stay in foster care and facing today's economic times. I can't imagine being in that situation. It has got to be difficult enough during good times. Every time I think about how many times I called my parents for help after I moved out of the house, I can't imagine what it would have been like if I had no one to call. When I think about how often my children call me for advice, assistance, or a few dollars, I can't imagine what it would be like for them without family around to help. I just hope that (S) and all of her brothers are able to get adopted after parental rights are terminated. I worry more about the older boys then I do about (S) because we are aware of a few people that have already shown an interest in adopting her. When you look at that face on the last post, you can't help but know she will be ok. But all of her brothers is another question. As a society, we have to do a better job with our children.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/nyregion/08foster.html

My Favorite Sound

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Can anything beat the sound of a little child giggling? I love it when (S) giggles!
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SWEET AND SOUR

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Today (S) got to visit with her 4 brothers. We all met at a McDonalds and they played in the playplace. It is really quite a sight. Most of the time when we looked at (S) she had a grin as large as the bat outside of the Louisville Slugger factory on that face of hers. It was a such beautifully sweet thing to see.

It is always nice to see the kids....... Talking with one of her brother's (F) foster dads (J)he was telling me that (F) knows what the situation is, but doesn't quite understand what is going to happen with him. (J) found (F) going through (J)s phonebook one day and calling up (J)s friends and asking them if they would adopt him.

I can't imagine what it is like to be 7 years old and feel like you have to look around for a family. When I heard that it just broke my heart. I am so glad that at this point (S) doesn't fully understand what is happening. This whole thing gets sadder and sadder every time we turn around. Between this and the fact that the parents didn't even ask how their children were, tells me that when parental rites are finally terminated the children will be better off....... but life shouldn't have to be like this for 5 little kids who are as good as these kids are. It shoudn't be this way for any kids. I guess this is why we are doing what we are doing. I know my father told me that life wasn't always fair, but this is far too unfair for these little kids...

On a happier note.....(S) fell asleep in my arms tonight. It was really sweet to just hold her while she slept. Times like that are what keeps us doing what we are doing and will continue to.