Fostering Friday: Thank You Letter to Caseworkers...

Over the month of November, I will be posting letters of thanks 

to different people in our lives that are part of our fostering life.

I hope that you enjoy!

Today....a thank you letter to caseworkers, permanency workers, intake workers,

adoption workers and all others who work with children in the foster system...

Dear DHS worker,

   I don't know if a mere "Thank You" is sufficient for the tough work and man-hours you put in every week. You work hard to help the families that have ended up in the foster care system. You go home and try to leave your troubles at work. I know it's not easy though.

  I know you get numerous phone calls from angry birth parents, frustrated foster parents, attorneys, therapists and I don't know who else. They continually want answers from you, wanting you to move mountains that you may not have the power to move. Perhaps we think you are invincible, that you have no feelings and can do anything we ask you to? 

  I've seen you shed tears. I've seen you clench your hands together in disappointment. I've heard the tiredness in your voice when you call to reschedule an appointment. I know your job isn't easy.

  I want to say thank you for:

• Restless nights fretting about that one child or family.
• Hours spent finding the perfect foster family for that child that has certain needs.
• Picking up children from neglectful homes, the sorrow that clenches at your heart when it's not the first time this family has been in care.
• Having a kind heart.
• Getting to know parents who are drug addicted and genuinely showing them that you care.
• Searching for suitable homes for the children under your care.
• Making sure foster parents have what they require to take care of the children in their homes.
• Returning emails and phone calls as soon as you can despite the long hours you put in.

  It doesn't go unnoticed.

  Next time you are feeling down and wondering if you are in the right job, please consider these things:

• As a foster parent, I could not do my job without you.
• Think about the success stories; the children who return home to sober parents, the family that steps in to raise nieces and nephews, the children who are adopted into loving homes.

  I pray for you. Not just me, our entire family prays for you. We pray that God gives you strength, courage, and endurance for every day.

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26 KJV

  

Till next time...

Have a blessed day and embrace the craziness in your life!

Heidi