Blog Topic

How hard is it, Counties
November 26, 2008

How hard is it for the Counties to really look at the needs of each individual child. Apparently it is not possible. Too often the cases involve the Counties covering their own backside to support some preconceived policy that has no application to the specific child. When a child has been in a specific foster home for 5 years, is it so hard to see how moving the child, even in with a relative who has not been involved before, might be harmful. If a child has been in foster care for 3 months and had previously lived with a relative, like a grandparent, for 4 years, is it really hard to see how the consideration of placement back with the relative might be at least worth considering. The statute says that an "individualized determination of the needs of the child" should be the guiding factor; not the ego of the social worker or the cheapest decision for a county; or a decision based on general polices. Is it really too much to ask that there be these "individualized determinations." for each specific child. Too often the answer is yes and it keeps us plenty busy.... WSW

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