I've said this before and I'll say it again -- if you want to help children like this, the most effective thing you can do is become a foster parent in your area if you're able, or support whatever organizations and activities support foster parents. Call your appropriate state reps to support adequate funding for foster parents and supporting services.
We've had more than one case in this area where an endangered child had to stay with the family because child services had literally no place else to put them. One worker slept overnight in her office with a child she had removed; another child spent the night in the visitor's area of the women's prison with her mother after her father was arrested robbing a bank (with his daughter in the car!) There aren't enough $$$ in the budget to pay for housing any more.
Yeah, things are tight with the economy, but cutting corners in child protection and development is jeopardizing not just their future but everybody's.
While I agree in theory with what you are saying, the DCF, CPS, whateverits called in your area is so absolutely corrupt - you are literally taking your life (and your children's) in your hands to deal with these "unusual" people.
Let me explain - and I will try to keep it short.
This did not happen in Florida (I can't remember the state but think it might have been NC)
Young couple. She, a teacher. He, a cop or fireman. They had two little children and were doing well - so decided to open their home as foster parents to children in need.
Couple was approved. Couple told DCF they didn't want "older" children - as their own were quite young. Couple turned down a few placements because of a risk posed to their own children.
Couple brought a placement of a little girl and a little boy (girl - 6, boy 8 or 9 - I might not have the ages correct but I'm close). DCF told the couple the children were fine - the little boy might have some behavorial issues at school but the little girl was fine. Couple accepted the children. About a month or two later - the foster boy molested the couple's bio son. Bio son immediately told. Couple immediately called DCF and requested the foster children be removed. Now - get ready for this - please sit down.
Social worker came and took the fosters. Then came back with LE and took their own bio children and the couple was charged with abuse and neglect.
Court papers stated that it was the couple's fault for not supervising the children as well as they should which allowed the foster boy the ability to molest their own son. Now - mind you, this foster boy got up in the middle of the night and did this. The son told first thing in the morning.
So, while a whole lot of us would really like to foster and help needy children. You are taking your life in your hands with the corruption of this government agency. They don't care who they "run over" in any effort to "save their face" and point fingers elsewhere.
Needless to say - this young couple spent THOUSANDS of dollars and lost their own children (I do remember they did get them back). And the nice, quiet life they were leading and wanting to give back hit them hard. I'll see if I can find this couples name.
