Part of the research I engage in each day involves reading adoption and foster care blogs to get a better perspective on life “in the trenches.” I came across a blog post this morning from a woman who aged out of the foster care system without being adopted. Her perspective and experience is both heartbreaking and invaluable. I wish we could hear more often from those who have experienced foster care; so often well meaning people assume what people in need need without actually giving the people in need a chance to speak.
The primary goal of Child Protective Services in the United States is to reunite biological families whenever possible. Here is an excerpt from the CPS handbook (for Texas--each state is different):
“The purpose of the Child Protective Services (CPS) Program is to protect children and to act in the children's best interest.
Through the program, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) focuses on children and their families and seeks active involvement of the children's parents and other family members to solve problems that lead to abuse or neglect. Program objectives are to
1. Prevent further harm to the child and to keep the child with his family when possible.
If this objective cannot be attained, DFPS considers removal of the child from the family and placement with substitute families or caretakers.
2. Provide permanence for a child in substitute care by resolving family dysfunction and returning the child to the family.
If this objective cannot be attained, DFPS recommends termination of the parent-child relationship and permanent placement of the child with another family or caretaker.
3. Provide permanence for a child who cannot return to the family by recommending termination of the parent-child relationship or other suitable legal authorization for permanent placement of the child with another family or caretaker.
CPS staff understand the need for preventive and supportive services that originate from community involvement in the protection of children. Staff are committed to the development of resources and agreements to help families before abuse and neglect occur. Staff work cooperatively with other department programs, other state and local agencies, the private child welfare sector, and the voluntary sector.”
The woman who blogged about her experience aging out of foster care brings a different perspective to the issue of reunification, and I found it incredibly insightful (and deeply troubling).
I encourage you to take a moment and read it here.
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