gina00's commentsComments On: EverythingArticles Blogs Journals Photos created by: Everyonegina00 Services Provided for Former Foster Children - Blog Entry20 Feb 2007 08:47 AM What a wonderful program! Is Texas currently the only state offering such services? I can't imagine any 18 year old, let alone a child coming from a background of abuse/neglect being ready at 18 to be a successful adult w/o the help of a supportive family/friends. Have you heard of the Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, in TX? It seems like a wonderful program for kids that have come from difficult backgrounds where they're getting godly help & training. We like to support them. After our foster care experiences here in CO it seems like they were really doing it the right way, offering the range of treatment/services, focusing on the Lord, and helping the families as well. I have been really encouraged by your blogs. Thank you!! Tim & Gina Swanson Separated Siblings - Blog Entry19 Feb 2007 12:47 PM Ed Paul, My husband & I were foster parents in CO for a while & we saw similarly sad separation of siblings. We cared for a boy that had his two sisters adopted, but the three brothers, who all exhibit significant attachment disorder & conduct disorder have been placed in separate homes w/ very little to no sibling visitation. I think there needs to be more accountability for the foster care system. The system here gives no voice to the foster parents. The private foster care agency we were w/ in CO deemed our foster son was too severe for their agency & then we were not allowed to have continued contact w/ him, even though his parental rights had been terminated and he had no one consistently in his life. I think there would be more successful adoptions/placements if the information from foster parents would be considered as part of decision making, etc. I think there are many foster parents who would love to continue to act as a big brother/big sister to kids that are no longer w/ them (especially kids for which parental rights have been terminated) but the foster care system deems that too emotionally difficult. (as if having NO ONE care about them long term is a better option!!!) There are so many sibling groups that have been separated w/ no real visitation!!!! How traumatic for the kids! What a blessing you are to your kids!! We will be praying for you in your ministry to your family. We are so encouraged after reading some of your blogs today. We recently adopted our first son in May from Korea and are in the process of hopefully adopting another child. Tim & Gina Swanson |
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