The boys first monthly visit

The social worker came this afternoon for the boys first monthly visit. She was here for about an hour and a half. We had just gotten home from daycare about five minutes before she got here so we had just changed Lil Boy's diaper and we were getting drinks and snacks for the boys when she walked in. ---Like you wanted to know those boring details right? haha

She was very nice and easy to talk to. Of course she asked me lots of questions about the boys. I felt like she cared. Now, we still have a long road ahead of us, so I will just wait and pray for caring results from her.

The sw said the home study has been sent off through I*C*P*C for the family member that is interested in having the boys placed with her. My understanding is that she is willing to take all four boys if she passes. The older two boys and the younger two boys have a different dad.
Mom is currently married to the younger boys that are placed with our family and the aunt is the dad's aunt....making her the boys great aunt.

First, I have no idea if she will pass the home study requirements, how old she is, or any other detail about her. I do know that in court the dad said that this aunt came to their house 2 or 3 times a week to bring lunch to his grandpa who has alzheimer's.

Well, then doesn't that mean that she witnessed the conditions and neglect these boys were subjected to?

Hello? Am I the only person who heard what was said in court that day???

I think I remember being told that since it was a family member they had to move forward with the home study and see if they pass???

I know I for one have witnessed someone passing a homestudy that I have no earthy idea how they passed. This family went from not being approved to *****POOF**** suddenly being approved!!! All because someone in that county made some sort of mistake and they had to approve the homestudy to keep the county out of trouble.

I do believe that the best place for a child is with a family member that can provide a secure, nuturing, loving home but after knowing this aunt has witnessed the conditions multiple times per week ---I have my doubts. But, this is out of my hands and I have to leave it with God.

Really, I feel ok about this. I am not sure though if God is telling me I feel ok about this because the boys will be staying here or if God is telling me it is okay because our work for Big Boy and Lil Boy will be complete and he will begin to prepare us for the next child.....

I do hate to think for the boys that they may have to make another move. They are settling in and doing so well and as with all foster children, they have already been through so much:(

FINALLY, this sw really listened when I expressed to her what Big Boy told me about the scar on his face and his daddy cutting him with a knife. We showed her the scars on his face and she told me she could not believe that intake was not called out and a seperate incident filed when I reported this to the investigation sw that was assigned at the time. She said she would speak to her supervisor about this and get back to me as to what we can do at this point. I believe she was sincere and I am going to have faith in God that we are going to get a result concerning this matter!

Then she looked at the boys room and then needed to see inside the refrigerator and the pantry. Oh sure, needed to look in the fridge and pantry and I need to go to the store! But she said it was fine.

I showed her the clothes that the investigation sw brought for the boys size 5/6, 7/8, underwear that was way to big and pull ups that were girls and way to big. She could not believe these items were brought out to me. She said she will have another lady from the C*P*S office bring out wipes and diapers to me tomorrow. Then she asked that I email her the boys sizes first thing in the morning and she would have clothes brought out to us since the lady at the C*P*S is going shopping to restock the special supply room tomorrow and could include buying the boys some clothes. The investigation sw has been giving me the run around about the boys clothing allowance.....and the older boys were given $200 each. But not one cent for our boys....

Also found out this is not the boys first time in care. Previously they were removed from their parents and placed with the grandma (which turns out to be another long story, go figure).

SW said this is going to be a very LONG HARD road for the parents. She expects that the boys will be in care for a very long time. Can't wait to see what God's plan is.....but for now Big Boy and Lil Man are both tucked in bed sound asleep:)