The Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (TDFPS) just released their 2007 annual report. To most people, this is just another report ~ full of numbers, percentages, facts, diagrams, and words ~ that you wouldn't even know about, let alone read.....except for people like us ~ parents waiting for their children who are in the custody of the TDFPS system.
Here are just some of the facts sited in the report:
Number of Child Abuse/Neglect investigations reported in 2007 in Texas: 278,303
Number of Child Abuse/Neglect investigations reported in 2007 in Harris County: 50,411
33 in 1000 children were allegedly abused in Houston in 2007.
Number of children awaiting adoption in Texas as of 12/31/07: 6,232
Average waiting time for adoption: 11.6 months
Where are children in TX DFPS care?
....of the 28,904 children in DFPS substitute care on 8/31/07
12,257 children were placed in Child Placing Agency Foster Homes
8,801 children were placed in Kinship (other-family) Care
2,699 children were placed in DFPS Foster Homes
1,438 children were placed in Residential Treatment Centers
861 children were placed in basic child care
855 children were in pending adoption homes
712 children were placed in emergency shelters
495 children were placed in other types of foster care (such as camps, maternity homes, juvenile detentions, state hospitals, etc)
419 youth over the age of 18 "aged-out" of the system.
Number of children in Foster Care in Harris County: 6,329
Number of Foster Homes in Harris County: 69
Number of Foster/Adoptive Homes in Harris County: 145
Number of Adoptive Homes in Harris County: 79
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All of these numbers are distressing, on so many levels. What does it say about our society today that in just one year there were over a quarter of a million abuse/neglect cases reported in Texas alone?
What about the sheer shock in the high number of children in foster care in Harris County and the lack of foster or foster/adoptive homes?
Before Michael & I started on our journey to adopt through the foster care system, we were oblivious to the statistics I just posted above. Sure, we knew that there were lots of kids in foster care, but had no idea of just how many kids and how few people who are able or willing to help.
It is so hard to understand then, after reading this report, why it has taken us almost 16 months to get to where we are now and yet, we still do not have children in our home. Where are our children? What type of care are they receiving? Oh how we are praying for them now. Those last set of numbers are frightening to try and wrap our minds around. There are 6,300 children in foster care in our county right now and only 69 foster homes and 145 foster-to-adopt homes. It doesn't take a mathematician to figure out that the odds are not in the favor of the children.
There is something seriously wrong with our foster care system...and both Michael & I feel called to make a difference. We want to see things changed. We want to see parents and families reunited and healed, and when that isn't possible, we long to see children placed in the safe arms, open hearts and secure homes of other families to love, protect and nurture them.
Through the process of building our family, we have met wonderful people who feel just as passionate about changing the system as we do. Won't you pray for us and with us, as we seek out ways to make a difference in the lives of these children....and maybe, just maybe, you might find it in your heart to help out too!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Latest Statistics
Beauty
Traditions...oh how I love them! We ventured out for our annual bluebonnet photo shoot with the girls today. We didn't have the best choice of flowers this year, but I think once you see the beauties in these pics, you won't even notice!
Head on over to CC's World for more pictures of the day!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Checklist....Take 2!
Here we go again.....another checklist. Every agency has their own requirements and documentation, so I have been going through the new checklist and thankfully have been able to mark off quite a few documents that we already have completed. I just need to scan and email them to the paperwork guru at H4G. Of course, there are a few documents that weren't required at LSSS, but thankfully they're just one page documents to be signed.
This is one time that I can honestly say how thankful I am to my OCD on staying organized!!!! LSSS is being rather difficult (that's a nice way of putting it) in releasing information to H4G. Our caseworker offered to photocopy our entire file and send to H4G, but that's against LSSS' policies. They won't even release any of the information to us personally, which I find to be quite ridiculous, since we were the ones who provided them the confidential information. Robyn is in agreement with us, but apparently our case has become quite a battle...and they don't want to help us out. So......I certainly am thankful that I made a copy of every single piece of paper that was sent to LSSS....and thankfully, H4G is more than happy to accept our copies!
So far our overall experience with H4G has just been wonderful. Sometimes you don't realize how bad something was, until you experience something positive...and that's how it's been for us in dealing with H4G. From the way that each person cheerfully answers the phone, to the time the Director spends with us on the phone, to the quick turn around on voicemail and email messages, to the attitudes of each person we've come in contact there. It's been very refreshing, especially in light of all that we endured with LSSS.
New Look....
I've been messing around with the look of our blog....what do you think?
I'm not pleased with the limitations that Blogger has and I refuse to pay someone to design a blog for me...when I know that I can do it myself...can't I?!?!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Update
Yes, we actually have an update:
1. We spoke to the attorney and he was fantastic! He was really encouraging to us and immediately recommended that we transfer our file to a different agency. He has worked with Homes4Good professionally as well as personally with adopting 5 of his children. He put us in direct contact with the director.
2. We had a great conversation with the director of Homes4Good. She had great compassion for us, apologizing for the difficult time that we've had and was very sincere in her desire to help us.
3. We made the decision to transfer our file from Lutheran Social Services to Homes4Good and mailed our application in today. Once they receive the application, they will request our homestudy and file from LSS. LSS has 10 days to provide the information to H4G. They will review the information and see what might be needed. We're hopeful that there won't be much left to provide. The director was very thorough in how they handle foster care adoptions and that they try to move as quickly as possible. She indicated that 60 days is dragging their feet! So, needless to say, that was encouraging.
4. We have not been able to get in touch with Robyn, our current case worker, to inform her of our decision. We wanted to talk to her before she received the request for our file ~ just out of courtesy and because she has been good to us. I don't believe that she'll be surprised, as she was the one who encouraged us to consider transfering our file.
So, that's where we are at, as of tonight. We'll be sure to keep you posted as we learn more. As always, we so appreciate your prayers. We definitely feel them!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Because we can....
It seems we have been questioned recently about why we are choosing to adopt through the foster care system; why are we willing to endure the tedious, ridiculous, long days with no answers and often-times painful process; After some thought, I finally came up with a response that I'm peaceful with. "Because we can."
We can parent a child from any walk of life, no matter how different from our own, because we have an extremely wealthy Father who loved us and called us His own when we had nothing. We can bring a child into our home and yes, into our family, who looks nothing like us because we know that the same has been done for us. We can risk the safety and comfort of our lives because we know that the will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot keep us. We know that our Lord is more protective of these little ones than we are and that their angels see His face even now.
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:10
Our home is not perfect. Our bank statement is not much to look at. We disagree. We struggle. We cry. We doubt. But we also love. We smile. We fight for what we believe in. We have faith when we have nothing else. What we lack in worldly wealth, we more than compensate for in Godly love. We know - and we can tell little ones who do not - that the Lord is our provider, our strength and our shield. We know there is hope when the faith runs out. We know there are little ones lying in bed and longing even now for a home. Not a big or fancy one, just one that is safe and one that promises to be there tomorrow and in the days and years to come. As surely as we keep putting one foot in front of the other because we believe we will one day be freed from these chains, so we know all too well that there are little ones going through each day with the hope of a rescuer, a chance at life outside the walls that are closing in on them now, burning in their little hearts. And while we cannot give them Heaven, we most certainly can give them a home. And while we are so far from being Jesus, we can be His hands and feet, His arms and lips to little ones who might find Him no place else.
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?" Romans 8:22-24
We know not what tomorrow holds. We have no idea where the Lord is leading, but we are sure that it will be great. We do not begin to presume to know what is on His agenda today or next week. We are excited to see how the Lord will use this time in our lives to lead us to His will for us. We are giving the Lord our all, because it has always been His anyway. We will step out of His way and watch as His plan unfolds in our lives and the lives of little ones longing for a home tonight. We believe the plan He has for us is far greater than any we can imagine, because we live a life we could have never dreamed of. The Lord God Almighty is worthy of our praise. He is attentive to our prayers and we continually storm the throne of grace with confidence, that His will might be done in our lives. We again covet your prayers for us, as we do our best to stand firm against the pressures of this world in an effort to bring God glory somehow in our simple lives, the lives He gave to us. We are mindful of how brief this life is and we are determined to make the most of it, that when our time comes to be adopted as sons, for these bodies to be redeemed, that we might have no regrets. At any cost, we ask God to be glorified. Here. Now. In our lives. In the lives of little children we have never met. In the days and weeks to come. Forever. Because we can. Because Jesus said so. :)
"Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."
Monday, March 03, 2008
No title for a very long post....
I'm looking at the computer screen, and honestly, I can't even come up with a title for this blog entry.....so does that tell you anything?
We were supposed to have (which by now means, we did not have) a training class on Saturday. It was mandated by the state that all foster/adoptive parents had to complete this training by March 1st, which was Saturday. Our agency only informed us of the new mandated class on the 19th of February, so we didn't have much time. They quickly put something together to get us trained on the 1st. Well, at 8:30am Saturday morning, we received a call cancelling the class. The State requires the presenter to have a Master's Degree and you guessed it...our's did not. While we were not disappointed to find out we wouldn't have to spend a nice Saturday in yet another training, we were upset at the fact that now we were not in compliance with the State's regulations. Our caseworker quickly told us that we would not be at fault for this mishap, since it was the agency's fault in not getting us trained on time. Now, all this means is that we will have to take the class on another day in the near future.
We were also supposed to meet with our CW before the class. This "meeting" has been cancelled and rescheduled so many times, I don't even remember when we were first supposed to meet, but thankfully she came out to our house on Saturday afternoon. All she needed to do was deliver the Adoptive Parent Handbook for us to read......handbook?! I don't really call a 4 inch 3-ringed binder a handbook! Thankfully she trusts us to read it and didn't go through the whole book (like she is supposed to). I can't say that I was in a rush to read that handbook from cover to cover, and to be honest, it is still sitting on the dining room table where she left it.
Michael & I have been praying about what to do and how to approach things with our CW, as we have been quite discouraged with the process to date. We are now in our 15th month of our adoption process and while we knew that the process would take time, we did not anticipate this long! As I sat and talked with our CW on Saturday, some specific prayers were answered and direction was provided ~ even without her knowing and wtihout me actually having to ask these questions! Thank you Lord!
1. What is going on with our agency? CW told us that they are financially hurting, have had 4 CWs quit in the last 4 months and the remaining CWs are so overworked they don't even know what to do. This is information she probably shouldn't have shared with us, but thankful she did.
2. Why is it taking so long for us? CW once again expressed her feelings of how upset she is that it has taken us so long. She indicated to us that CPS states that a family should be matched within 3 months and 6 months at the longest. This would happen when the criteria the family has set is just unattainable, which she confirmed was not the case with us.
3. Should we consider transfering our file to another agency now that we're licensed? CW actually encouraged us to contact another agency about transfering our file. The name of the agency that she suggested JUST SO HAPPENS to be the same agency that I received a newsletter from the very same morning. I had never heard of this agency before, nor had I ever received any information from them before. Their newsletter JUST showed up in my mailbox. Of course, when I got it and read it, I didn't think twice about it, since I've signed up for so many things I've lost track. Hmmmm.....
4. What about going through CPS directly? CW said that if she had the chance to go back and work with CPS directly, she would. She said, in passing, that we could go directly through CPS and not an agency. This would greatly increase our visibility, as all cases go through CPS and are then funneled out to all the other agencies.
5. Should we consider changing our status to get more exposure? CW suggested that we change our status from adoption-only to foster-to-adopt, if even for exposure. She said it's almost like applying for a job. You put your name out there as much as possible, to gain the most exposure, in hopes that someone along the lines will see your resume enough or recognize your name, and want to know more.
6. What about contacting that attorney to get his opinion on our situation? As the CW was leaving she said - oh yeah, one more thing....did you guys ever contact the attorney that I told you about? If not, you really should.
OK....wow!
We have really become so dishearted and discouraged. We are angry...and not necessarily at the situation but more because our joy really has been robbed of us through this process. We've almost become complacent and expectant of things to not go right for us...and that is what makes us angry! With all that being said, we also know that God is in control, that everything has a purpose, that God's timing is perfect and when this is all said and done, we know that it will all be worth it....but we're not there yet. We're still in the waiting.
So, today, we woke up with a new outlook on things.
*We contacted the agency recommended and they are sending us out an application to fill out. Thankfully it's just an application and they request the remaining information from our current agency. They review our file and homestudy and tell us whether or not they accept us. They said that the process is quick (of course, the definition of "quick" has changed dramatically for us in the last year).
*We changed our status from adoption only to foster-to-adopt with our agency this morning, so that we can have more exposure to needy children in the CPS system.
*We are contacting the attorney to just get an opinion of where we are. He has personally adopted 5 children from foster care and would be a great resource.
*We are going to contact CPS to see what our options are with going directly through them. This is no easy task as I have been routed to 4 different people already this morning, without getting any information.
Please continue to pray for us. We know that God is GOOD and FAITHFUL! He is with us on this journey, but we still have tough days!
