Emergency placement Help!

My first placement was an emergency one too. It was a crazy 6 days and then she was gone again. I'd say make sure the child is safe and taken care of and expect to have him a little while things are figured out. As for school and such, there are rules about that (10 days I think), but you wouldn't transfer unless he is going to be there as a longer placement. Good luck!

The hearing is to determine whether or not the child should be in foster care. Where I live, the County has 3 days to prove to the judge that there is a reason for the child's removal, and determine if the child will stay in care, go to relatives, or be returned to the parents with a plan.I have never been to one of those hearings. I usually just get the "bottom line" info from the County worker after the trial.As far as school, I would keep him home tomorrow, see what happens at the trial and go from there.

Could be heart-warming, probably will be heart-wrenching. I've known ppl to get FC boys that age who were really still tenderhearted. We tend to expect them not to be. The official stuff will sort itself out, you'll be informed well or poorly (sigh). Try to think how you'd feel if you were he (which is probably what you did when you said yes), and treat him accordingly. But do have structure, to the best of your ability. Wish I had more wisdom to impart -- your instincts will guide you well, I'm sure.

structure, structure and more structure!! question: I'm in NY. Case workers have to enroll foster kids in school. do you gals have to do it?

I do emergency placements. Right now you do nothing. Just wait. After court there will be a meeting to see if there are any family willing to take in your FS. Call his CW later today or tomorrow to find out what is going on. Questions to ask, "Is there any family coming forward?" If not, next question. "Should I register him in school?" and so on. If the SW states that they are looking into family, next question. "What is the time frame? Should I register him in school?" If no family is coming forward or does not pass the background check you can let the SW know if you want to go long term or not. Hope this helps.

Well thanks to all that posted. It's been long couple of days. We are trying to find some sort of normal here. The child is doing as well as expected. This is a unique case - but then again what isn't? No abuse, never been in care, father's whereabouts unknown, mother just very recently passed away. While they are looking, there are no known relatives besides one grandma who is not intrested. Other friends have come forward but are not equipted and not approved. We will keep him for as long as it takes and would be happy to be there for the long haul. He is a really nice boy but we are still in the honeymoon stage. Actually more of the deniel and shock stage. I am to have him registered for school by Monday and will meet with the social worker today. I really want to slowly transition him in. I am searching for a grief therapist in the area. I have an attament therapist but we need a grief one first. Will keep you updated.

Awww poor kid. Yes for sure he will need some greif therapy. Glad you are there for him, it's such a hard age and then loosing your mom makes it harder add to that moving in with strangers, yeah shock is to be expected. Sending prayers for him and for you as you help him through this very tough time in his life.

Poor guy ( I almost put little guy) My oldest son will be 13 next month. It is a rough age. If it looks like your going to have him awhile get him into an activity that he enjoys. Sports, martial arts, swimming. It will help relieve some of the stress. Also freshen up on your greif stages, anger will be coming soon just remember it's not you he will be mad at but it will probably feel that way.

How are things going?

Thanks, he's doing alright. He is opening up a bit but he is still trying to please everyone. However, I have been able to talk to his social worker at his school. He has never had any behavior issues and is an A - B student. His reports are pretty darn good. What will be our biggest challenge will be him learning to be a kid. Apparently he was the care giver to his younger siblings. Cooked dinner, gave baths, did laundry and made sure everyone was at school with homework done. We have a therapy appointment set up for next week and he will start school on Monday. He is actually looking forward to it. I have met with the school social worker and she has a lot resources put into place for him. I will fight for an IEP for speech though as I am noticing a pretty signifanct lisp. It does not appear as though it was addressed at his last school. However, having two special needs kids in the disctrict, I already have the connections in place. All but one of his other siblings have been placed. The 11 year old has Croan's disease and is currently in respite. We would take him in a heart beat but can't put the 3 boys in one room. I would love to see someone close take him so that the boys could visit. I will update more later. Thanks again.

What a heart-breaking situation for this child. No wonder you said yes. If you have a good attachment therapist, part of what they have to do is help the child grieve all their losses, which tend to be considerable, if not nearly unimaginable. You might check with this therapist and see if they're familiar with doing that type of grief work.

One consideration....Is your master bedroom big enough for three people? Would you be able/willing to switch things around? We didn't use the master in our old house so figured it was no big deal if we needed to change things around here and have kids in the master. Of course, other people can't even imagine doing that which is understandable too.

Well this morning he started his first day at school and I am planning to pick him up in a bit. However, just got word that they may have found a home that will be able to take him with 2 of his 6 siblings. This would be good for him because he will be with them and back in his old school. It will be hard on us. I will deal - I knew that he was an emergency placement but I did not expect my family to fall in love with him so fast. It will be hard on the kids. This is exactly why we were only going straight adoption. Also, I may not be able to take time off at work again for a while to take another placement so that saddens me a bit. I am wondering if he should go to school tomorrow. I am waiting to hear back from caseworker to see when he will be leaving. Also - what do I do about the clothing? I plan on giving it all to him - I mean we are not foster parents and he needs this stuff. I will turn in the receipts but I am not sure if I should be listing what I bought. I have never fostered before and was really hoping this would go towards adoption. Finally, is it appropriate to call and check in on him from time to time? I don't want to overstep my boundries but I care about the kid. It will be a happy - sad night tonight.

My bigger 'kid' room is the master too. I am in the smallest room in the house. I figured this was the best way to go since I am the only one who won't ever need to share. People think I am crazy, especially since the other two rooms are much bigger and mostly empty (since I am waiting for over a year).