Foster care

So our adventures in the foster-adopt program has definately been an educating and exhausting one. For a couple of weeks we were visiting a 9-year-old african american. She was nice and there was really no reason to not adopt her - except one. Ever since day one of meeting her I could not get rid of this "feeling" of restlessness and confusion. I eventually relented to the spirit and we had to pass on the 9 year old. And boy did i feel tons better after i did that. Now we are doing an emergency foster situation. We are fostering a 9-month old cutie. His name is Matthew and he is just a delight to have in our home. I now understand what everyone has talked about when they warn "don't get attached!" Too late! He hardly cries (unless you try to put him to sleep without a bottle). Pictures to come! I am a little disappointed in the child protective services though. He just had his first visit with his parents and it went fine. I did find out, however, that the mom has a chance to get him back if she passes 3 random drug tests this next week. The thing I am frustrated about is this.....What the heck is 3 drug tests going to tell you?!? I strongly believe that if there is a drug abuse history, a parent should have to go through a rigorous drug rehabilitation before allowing to have their children back...especially infants. Infants can be frustrating, tiring, and it takes more than a strong will for a drug addict to get through something like that without going back to the drugs. I don't think I would have such a big problem giving him up if i new that he was going to a good home....but I'm not so confident. So I am a little scared for the little guy, hoping and praying that his mom either shapes up (for real) or we get to keep him. UGH! What a crazy and sad world we live in! Keep little Matthew in your prayers!

Thursday, August 13, 2009