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I had not heard of Mr. Wexler until this morning, but I don't agree that his agenda is based on parents wanting to change. His agenda is based on wanting better outcomes for children.

It is a shame that foster parents are not given more support. It is a shame that foster parents feel attacked by criticism of the system.

I don't mean this as an attack on you or any other foster parent, but the truth is that outcomes for children in foster care are dismal. It is better than the old "orphanage and reform school" system, but the current system is broken. Mr. Wexler is advocating for changes to the system that will result in better outcomes for children.

Today's topic was not about CASA or fostering, it was about what works for families and children in crisis.

posted 2 years, 1 month ago
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I agree with Mr. Wexler. Of course no child in danger of imminent harm should be left in a dangerous home. No judge would leave a child in a dangerous home if evidence of the danger is presented. No social worker would intentionally leave a child in a dangerous home. The natural tendency to want to err on the side of caution in favor of protecting the child will always result in the removal of children who could probably safely remain with the parents. Children are much better off staying in the home than being removed unless they are in imminent danger. If they must be removed, they are much better off going to a relative or close family friend.

CASA advocates are a great addition to the equation for older children because no one else in the system can spend enough time with the child to get a clear picture of what the child really wants and needs. However, the CASA's opinion should not be given undue weight to the extent that stays in foster care are prolonged while the parents try to show they can provide a perfect home. Parents should be required to show that they can provide a safe home, of course.

The most important factor for the sucess of the family is trying to preserve the family intact if that is safe. If the children must be removed, every effort should be taken to place siblings together. If siblings cannot be placed together, the siblings should have the right to visitation with each other separate from parental visitation. If parental rights are terminated, the siblings should have the right to continued contact with each other. In the case of a failed adoption, the sibling group may be the only permanent connetion the child will ever have the chance to maintain.

The more help a family gets early on, the better the outcome will be for the childen, the family, and ultimately society. Children raised in foster care have high rates of homelessness. That won't change unless children in the system are given more opportunities to reunite with their biological parents and better life skills training if they remain in foster care.

posted 2 years, 1 month ago
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The scene in Smoke Signals in which Thomas is taken to Denny's by Victor's dad really resonates with me. My dad committed suicide when I was about 2 years old. When I was about 12 and she was about 14, my older sister ran away from home. I went to visit her while she was couch surfing in the small town Eureka. She was staying with some Indian (Yurok or Karuk or Hoopa, sorry, I don't know which) people there. One of the aunts saw me cowering in the corner while everyone partied. She took me to Dennys and bought me a meal. When I saw that scene in Smoke Signals it brought me right back to that moment... I was so hungry and she just knew what I needed.

Tiffany in Hillsboro

posted 2 years, 7 months ago
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I work with children and parents in California's foster care system. I am a juvenile court attorney down there. One of the best resources I've found for improving the system is an organization founded by and for foster youth. They successfully lobbied the legislature to change the laws governing California's foster care by requiring, among other things: 1. that children remain in the same school they attended prior to removal from the home unless the judge makes a special finding 2. that children have the right to contact with siblings and half siblings 3. that the DHS must document efforts to identify and preserve relationships with people important to the youth. The organization's website is here:
http://www.calyouthconn.org/site/cyc/

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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