Reality Continues
A blogger shares the story of a teen in crisis and the need for families to open their homes to foster care
This post started out to be “Reality – Continued” but the real story here is that reality does, in fact, continue. This is a continuation of my story of “Frank,” a local older teen boy.
Frank entered the shelter of the voluntary program on a Wednesday night. The social worker assured me they would be on top of things to be able to give him some stability as soon as possible. Â On Thursday, they got in touch with Frank’s parents, who agreed to sign over guardianship to the foster organization, effectively removing themselves from his life. I wanted them to fight for him. They didn’t. I think it was a very heartbreaking moment for him.
He returned to the shelter to await foster placement. I am happy to tell you that the foster placement will happen today. Less than a week after we put all the wheels in motion, he will get a place to stay where he can remain until he is 18. He will be loved and cared for. He will be appreciated. I am hoping and praying it all goes well.
Reality has been a hard course for Frank. He had a tough reality at home and now he is in a shelter with two other older boys and a family of 6 kids in crisis, including 3 toddlers. I think he thought our house was wild and crazy (it is) until he met this clan. I’m sure he will be exceedingly grateful to go to his placement today.
I worry about him though; the shelter is very restrictive — food is locked up, permission is needed for everything — but I think foster care will also be tough for him. He has never really had anyone paying close attention to him; I think the constant monitoring will take some getting used to!
He will be okay, but he is on a hard road. I am hoping for the best and very grateful, very grateful, for foster parents who have confidence with teens. That is SO not me!  If you are a person who gets along well with teens, please consider opening your home to a teen in crisis. These homes are desperately needed.
I am sure I will have more tales of Frank to come; in the meantime, please keep him in your thoughts as he is facing some tough realities. Thanks for the love.
