Re: Elderly Foster Care Providers

[Nancy Duncan <nduncan@xxxxxxx>]

HI Patty,

Might I add some advice. I've been a child abuse investigator for years and
the courts in California to allow chilldren to live with grandparent's or
adopt them. You have to work hard and closely with the social work and
court systems. Contact a supervisor indicating you feel this is
discrimination. If your past history is poor then the courts will not allow
a child to be placed in an unsafe home. If you have any additional
questions email me off-line. I once placed a five year old with his great
grandmother. Though I took into the considerations of age, she loved this
boy and we worked out a backup plan in case she became ill or died. That
really helped the court to see that something was in place and the family
wanted the child to remain in the family. Nancy Duncan, MSW    

At 12:21 PM 8/30/2004 EDT, you wrote:
>Patty, several years ago had a 60+ year old husband and wife looking to
>adopt their six year old fosterchild who had been in their home for over
>two years. The decision was made just as it would have been for any other
>adoption. The age of the fosterparents was a major issue as their normal
>life expectancy was not long enough to carry their fosterdaughter through
>age 20. The normal health considerations of older people was taken into
>consideration as well. Another consideration was that the fosterchild had
>some problems that did put her in the special needs category meaning it
>would be necessary to actively recruit to find an adoptive home for her.
>All those, and more, competing factors were weighed carefully.
> 
> It was a gut-wrenching decision and not made easily to place her in
>another home. I'm happy to say that she was adopted into a home about 60
>miles away and her fosterparents are now 'adopted' grandparents still
>actively involved with her. 
> 
> None of this is to offer stats on such placements. Just an observation on
>a similar situation.
> 
>   One of the worst things about fostercare is that a child 'ages out' at
>18 and is off into the world without the normal family support. Being able
>to drop in for a meal, wash clothes in mom's washer with all that free soap
>she has, take back to your apartment that 'extra' set of sheets and towels,
>have that home where your birthday is an important day, and know when the
>storms of life are blowing around you there is a safe haven is a VERY
>important thing. Just having a life expectancy that would likely allow you
>to be around until a child is 18 simply isn't enough.
> 
> Good luck to you and your child.
> 
> Pat Curran
> Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (18 years now)
> South Carolina
> 
> 
> 
> 
> In a message dated 8/30/04 10:18:24 AM, MomsBack2004@aol.com writes:
> 
> I am looking for statistics and information on the pros and cons of
>elderly foster care providers (age 62 and disabled) adopting a child in the
>juvenile dependency system.  I would prefer information not relating
>specifically to age, as to prevent age discrimination issues.
> 
>  Any information would be GREATLY appreciated!
> 
> 
>
>  Patty Montalbano
>  CASA Advocate
>  Fresno, Ca.
> 
> 
>
> 
>