How do you put a price on a child? As you all probably know already we are proceeding with the adoption process of a little guy we call Preston. He is a gem and fits into our family like a glove. As far as my other children are concerned he's already their brother. We cannot imagine life without him.
Yesterday we met with authorities from his home county in order to negotiate whatever support we may be able to receive in order to acclimate him into our family and to meet his medical needs.
Awful! Absolutely Awful experience. My wife and I had already determined that we would proceed regardless of the support level that we received but this little man has needs that are out of the ordinary due to the crap that he's already been through. Can our family cover those costs? Never mind the fact that when he becomes our son in a legal framework we will no longer receive the stipend that comes through the fostering agency.
So we ask. What can the county commit to? Obviously governments are limited by budget constraints and if you have ever dealt with a child welfare department you probably know that they are at the bottom of the barrel as far as allocations are concerned. It's a crime. Governments spend so much money and we hear everyday of money being wasted and stolen from this department or that one. On the way into work this morning I heard that Medicaid was under investigation for $90 million in questionable expenditures. We don't need $90 million. Maybe 0.00001% of that. Maybe. (Hope I got that number right.)
Well, as far as we are concerned, on December 28 this little man will be part of our clan. Officially! On paper! Signed, sealed and delivered. Regardless of the help we can get, it's a done deal in our hearts.
If fostering is within your capabilities as a family, it is a fantastic way to make a difference in the life of a child. My wife was created for this. This is her skill. She excels at that. Me, I tag along and say "Yes, dear," whenever it is appropriate. Which is usually about every 10 minutes.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I don't know what Preston's needs are, but I would suggest you have the school psychologist evaluate him. A lot of services and therapies are available free through the school system. Kevin gets (or has gotten in the past) speech, physical, and occupational therapy several times a week. IEP's can be developed if there are any issues.
Of course, if this doesn't apply, then just ignore this comment.
Merry Christmas to you and your clan.
Oops, that was from me, just logged in as my husband and didn't notice until after I pressed publish.
John, you & Sheila will make it work and Preston's life will be better than you realize you are making it. Love is powerful.
Post a Comment