Beth and I fluffed up and headed downtown for my television interview this morning, and Dora started her day a little earlier by hanging out with a neighbor. For someone who used to wear mascara to go do middle-of-the-night colic checks while in vet school (least anyone see me with “no eyes”), I have come a long way, baby! Putting make-up on these days is a real chore. But I managed …
The interview went well, I think, but you can form your own opinion by checking it out. I can hardly get started in 2 minutes, so hopefully I planted some seeds that will resonate with some parents. (Apparently I did, because before I could post this I received a call from someone in similar straits to the Stocklaufer’s. More to come on that …)
The next hearing on the Stocklaufer case is this week. I really hope someone remedies this horrible situation. While doing some statistical research for this morning’s interview, I found a San Diego county study that stated that 70% of all foster care moves were for policy or system-related reasons. The rest were for behavioral issues. Several studies cited what we already know … multiple moves translate into behavioral issues later on. Duh! Studies also show that relative placements are usually the most stable and offer the best hope that a child will not move around the foster care system. Of course, in my research I uncovered articles that talk about how those relatives (often aging grandparents) need services to keep those kids in their homes. Don’t we all need services? Relatives or not, it takes a village to raise these kids … and most of us are living in relative isolation (no pun intended!)
Interestingly enough, this article states that children who experienced two or more moves in their first year of care were more likely to experience “placement instability” in the future.
That’s it for now folks … gotta go wash off this mascara and take 5 squirrelly dogs for a walk … and teach some more math!
You were fabulous! You did a great job of getting the important basics out there in a way that many people could “get it.” And you looked good while doing it!
You go girl. Is there any way we can help? Can we write to someone?
I’m supposed to get a call any time from someone else in similar straits. I’ll let you know if we can collectively “encourage” someone to think differently!
Count me in, I would do whatever I can to help the Stocklaufers and any other family going through similar issues.
Great Interview Nancy!
I went through a very similar situation when we adopted our third child from the state. It was horrrrrible. We finally won in the end, but it was only after we had the head of DHS, and many lawyers involved.
Stay tuned, esp. you MO folks… there will likely be more hitting the fan soon. A number of travesties occurring!
What offended me the most was the idea of this man being rejected as an adoptive parent because of “maybes” and “mights” about his possible future health. Yes, certain conditions are prone to certain other issues – but not every time.
Heck, any one of us, regardless of our state of health, could have any number of things happen at any time. So…. do agencies want every family to live in a bubble forever, “just in case”?
Nancy, please do keep us posted! This Missourian is ready for action, as well as her hubby!
Great interview Nancy. So many people are clueless about attachment issues, dismissive even when it is so obviously foundational. You did a great job.