We had our first adoption/foster class this weekend. It was a good start in getting to know the differences we will face with the children versus dealing with Daisy and Clara. These children are dropped into a situation where they don't know the rules, and they are used to where they have been, no matter how rough. They will likely have to learn basic lessons such as respecting people, and what is right and wrong.
It also really drove home the point that our role should be to provide care for the children while their parent(s) are getting help. The goal is to reunite children with their parents and as a last resort, adoption. It was really important for us to remember that we need to have compassion and empathy for the parents and their situation, regardless of what has happened. The parent basically has a year to rehabilitate (which is sometimes extended), and if it does not happen, they will become available for adoption - with first choice given to the foster parents. The instructors repeated multiple times, "remember that a family has to fall apart in order for these children to become a part of your family". Such a sad, but true statement, and it really made me look at it differently.
Keep this in prayer as we continue to learn.
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1 comment:
I haven't checked your blog in a while, so I just now saw your news. We also had to become certified foster parents in order to adopt our son, so we went through many of the same training classes (although our actual situation is vastly different than what your family is preparing for).
We will keep hoping for an avenue to open up for your family in Haiti. I know this is a bit premature, but we have some wonderful books and resources on making Lifebooks (which you might have heard of in your research, but they are very common to make for both children who were adopted and who are being fostered). I would be more than happy to send them down to you.
All the best and good luck with your classes!
Cori Mohr (Jeff's wife)
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