I don't begin to think that I understand even the slightest portion of "The System" they have in place for adopting foster kids.
Every state is different, and likely every county as well.
What exactly is an ICPC? What is it for? Why do they HAVE to have a 60 day leeway between the filing of the ICPC and when the child can actually be placed in your home?
Tons of questions. No answers.
Many of you may feel like you are alone in the process. I know I do. Curve balls come and when you try swinging wildly at them with a black blindfold on, you are doomed for failure!
Some ironic things about "The System" that I have seen:
1. They don't do any "transitioning period" when a child is moved from foster home to foster home. (Yes, I do understand that sometimes, it is almost an emergency move, and there just isn't time to make the transition slow and smooth for the kiddo/s involved.)
2. Paper work, paper trails, and overworked employees who don't want to put in any extra time make for a very sloooooooooooooooooooooooooow process. In the meantime, a child suffers.
3. If the judge spent even one week in that child's shoes, I am totally sure they would RUSH the process when they actually have an adoptive family in place for that kiddo.
4. It is generally SAID that a caseworker is to see a kiddo at least every 30 days. That doesn't always happen.
I know, I know. Poor overworked caseworkers/CASA workers etc. I DO feel for them. BUT, they all generally go home to a very different life when they clock out at 4:00 pm than the kids in foster care. Each day brings more of that hopelessness they can't escape.
"Plans" that work on paper don't always work in real life. Each case is different, each child is different.
How can I make a difference? It all seems too huge to process.
BIG HEAVY SIGH.
rants and raves.
The ICPC stands for Interstate Compact on Placement of Children. The ICPC purpose is to ensure both the sending state and the receiving state that the children are placed in a safe environment, and to give children legal and financial protection by fixing those responsibilities with the sending agency. In addition the ICPC ensures that the sending state does not lose jurisdiction over the child, and it provides the sending state the opportunity to obtain supervision and regular reports on the child's situation.
ReplyDeleteAnytime you working with two state agencies it can seem like it takes forever. The children in foster care are a part of a very broken system...........but we are so thankful for people like you who will love and protect these children. Hang in there you will be sharing the joys of parenthood soon.
Thanks! Sometimes it's hard to understand the process, but I do know that it was set in place to protect and help the kiddos in need. These moments just teach us more patience and humbleness! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how long ICPC's are supposed to take? We were told 60 days, but then we heard today that it might be more like 6 - 9 MONTHS! help!
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