In April 2018, we had our Second Fostering Placement Experience!
Start with our first experience here!
Second Fostering Placement Experience
However, something unexpected happened!
It started with a call from our caseworker. A little girl “Little Bit” (due to privacy we will use nicknames and stock photos.) But she needed respite care for two weeks.
Our agency was able to find a foster parent for her two siblings but unfortunately, not all three of them.
We didn’t mind at all that “Little Bit” would come and stay with us. We were happy to help!
When we got to the agency “Little Bit” was there with a relative that she was currently staying with along with her siblings.
The siblings (a boy and a girl) left with their foster mom and we were there to pick “Little Bit” up.
When we got there she looked like she had not showered in a while and unfortunately didn’t seem to have the best authority. She was all over the place!
From the start the caretaker was nice but seemed overly nice and like she was buttering us up for something.
In addition, I got a feeling that something was off speaking to her.
However, we still went ahead and exchanged phone numbers.
Tip: After the experiences, I’ve had. I don’t recommend giving your phone number out at all.
Respite Care Reality
As we were getting ready to leave with “Little Bit” the relative gave us clothes, shoes, and diapers. I was shocked because half of the clothes were brand new.
We took her home and she seemed pretty comfortable from the start.
However, bath time and bedtime were not as easy but it’s understandable in a new place with people you’ve never met. I’m sure I’d be the same way.
Luckily we prepared with comfort toys, I gave her this toy right here!
It really helped with nap time and bedtime! I highly recommend getting one!
It doesn’t have to be the same! For example, our 4th placement, we got this elephant one! He LOVES it and it’s cheaper too! 😉
As I mentioned about her “relative” had my phone number.
She wrote to me the next day after her outpatient surgery to check on “Little Bit.”
I let her know she was doing really well and was adjusting to being here and she said, “she knew she would.”
Later that week she let us know she was feeling a lot better but she wanted to extend the time that “Little Bit” would stay with us to a month. I spoke with the casework and she made sure we were okay with it as well.
When the month went by it kept being extended longer and longer. At this point, it was getting suspicious.
“Little Bit” did have weekly visitation visits with mom and her siblings but mom was very young and had four children.
When we were at the visitation center “mom” didn’t want to be bothered with spending a lot of time with the kids. Of course, that breaks your heart!
Foster Care Reality
The whole reason we got into fostering is that we want to be able to help kids and we are in hopes to adopt.
With that said, by the time month two came. We started thinking that maybe there is a possibility this could actually turn into a long term placement.
“Little Bit” was adjusting to us and we were adjusting to her.
Then, all of a sudden two months later. I received a text from her relative. The daycare she had the kids going to was no longer going to hold their spots. She was going to pick all of the kids up the next day.
Next day came, and we needed to take her to the agency and drop her off. The emotions were a roller coaster. I didn’t feel like this little girl was going to have the love she needed.
It broke my heart!
She had to leave and there was nothing I could do about it. That’s what made this second fostering placement experience so rough!
After that, I would ask our caseworkers about her and the last I heard she was placed with a different relative that was trying to adopt all three kiddos.
I am glad to hear that all three children are placed together and with a different relative.
Being a foster parent is tough! I hope that the moments we spent with her will help her in some way.
She will forget me. But I know… I will never forget her!❤️
Next, read about our third experience here!
