We know our transition into fostering would not have been as smooth if it wasn't for them. Throughout the process of certification, they were always available to answer any questions or concerns we had, and we had quite a few. They always answered emails within 24 hours, and would call if they felt it was better to answer over the phone. We never felt pressured to choose a certain age group, medical needs etc. They even supported our decision at first to only offer respite and encouraged us to do that a few months. No rush. Even the calls from the intake case worker were no pressure. We didn't feel guilted at all into a decision.
It feels like we have friends surrounding us.
At placement, our assigned case manager stayed with me the entire time at the hospital, from 5pm-8:45pm until baby girl was released and then followed me home to finish the placement paperwork at 9pm. She then called me the next morning to see how the first night went and if I needed anything. I get a 'check in' call weekly from her and a monthly visit. I know that if I need absolutely anything, I can count on her, or anyone at the agency, to help. They are so gracious and understanding when I don't sometimes have all the paperwork required to turn in at each monthly visit (I'm still learning!).
My mom became certified to offer respite for us, and they helped her go through that process very smoothly. One of baby girl's NICU nurses also wanted to keep in contact with her, and became a respite provider for us as well. Our agency was amazing, and helped her complete the process in a mind blowing 2 weeks!
We knew we made the right choice in our agency. All of that was further confirmed around the holidays. They threw a beautiful, not over the top, Christmas party at a local church where they bought gifts for not only baby girl, but our boys as well. It was so sweet to see how they honored the bio kids and their service to the foster kids in their home. The boys felt such excitement and pride in being baby girl's big brothers. Then, a week before Christmas I received an email saying CFN had received more presents, enough for EVERY kid in our home to get 2 presents! Just come and pick them out! It was so extremely helpful financially and emotionally to be loved on that much. They could have easily stored those for another occasion or event, but they blessed their families in return.
A super cool thing is both boys were able to get things they were specifically asking for. Noah got a box of muscle car matchbox cars and Ethan a Batman lego set. Those are exactly the presents they had asked us for. While our agency is not a 'Christian' agency, we know God is working in and through them to impact His children.
CPS was pretty remarkable as well. Whatever negative I have heard about CPS, I have yet to experience it myself. Everyone I have interacted with are extremely respectful, kind and want what is best for baby girl. CPS even provided a TRASH BAG full of gifts for baby girl. While she certainly didn't need that, I love the idea of older kids, who are aware, would know that someone is thinking of them and wanting them to feel loved and cared for over the holidays. We were asked to turn in a wish list to CPS for baby girl, but they took it and completely went above and beyond.
No comments:
Post a Comment