Originally Posted By mickeymeg Congratulations on making a big difference in your corner of the world Dave. The world needs more people like you.
Originally Posted By sarahwithbaloo Yes guys I'm very proud of him. Lol Avromark I would say he has been with me too long for the brit spelling but then my spelling is just wrong it is not English or US.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks guys. MArk, there are some very good foster parents out there, but more I have met seem to be in it for the money. It really eats at me. As for a rest, it's only beginning. The bill has become law, but currently I am running around the country working with Snr politicians, Drs, Teachers, Unions, Kids in care etc. to get the pilots up and running. I am leaving a 5 year pilot, but at least when I leave it will be started and I have faith in my successor. she has come a long way!
Originally Posted By u k fan Congratulations Dave. It must be good to know you're making a difference. I thought of you as soon as I saw the Baby P case on the TV. My friend who is trying to adopt is having real problems with her social worker, but it's hard to put yourself into their shoes as I don't think anyone can trully know what it's like to be a social worker until they've done it. It can't be much fun. Anyway, well done on your achievement (and well done to me if I spelt that correctly). On a side note: we need to work out if we're getting together before christmas this year!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Kiz, I am happy to talk to your friend if it is helpful. Also, I think hooking up may be a little easier that usual as I have all of December off (lot's to do, but I am sure we can find time).
Originally Posted By u k fan <<<I have all of December off>>> Yeah, rub it in! I know my friends would be really happy to discuss things with you, but I don't want to push as I know you are busy. They are receiving fortnightly visits from a Social Worker, but I fear they have a long way to go. They are both on considered on the old side (late 30's/early 40's), are both overweight (but working hard) and she has a medical condition that although it is well regulated so they aren't exactly prime candidates. I know they'd be fantastic parents though. It seems such a shame that so many kids are born into terrible conditions yet people who could provide love and security have to jump through hoops. I caught 5 minutes of Jeremy Kyle yesterday. My goodness me! Anyway, they've been told that even when they get to panel if they don't lose weight they'll wait up to 5 years. Any advice you could give would be really cool!!!
Originally Posted By officerminnie >>>>>there are some very good foster parents out there, but more I have met seem to be in it for the money. It really eats at me.<<<<< I couldn't agree more, Dave. Bravo to you for doing something about it!!! It breaks my heart that foster kids, who are so very vulnerable and need love and compassion and protection the most, are the ones whose caregivers continually fail to provide those things. The only two foster parents I have known personally used spanking as a form of punishment. In our state (or maybe a federal law?) it is illegal to us any form of corporal punishment with foster kids. I dialed up their social workers as fast as my fingers would allow to report the abuse. Surprsingly, in both cases the kids were removed almost immediately. I'm sure your job is horribly frustrating at times and seems like a constant uphill battle. Thank you - and other caring folks in social work - for your tireless work and all you do for kids.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Congratulations on your bill becoming law Dave! I haven't been brave enough to click on your link but I may at a later time. You are one in a million and I admire you and the work you and your co workers do. Breathe deeply and enjoy your time off with your family when the time comes. murfsmom, big hugs to you!!! and officerminnie too!
Originally Posted By FenwayGirl Dave, Maybe you could help our foster care system in the states...They could use someone like you
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS Kudos to you, Mr. Dave. Great job. When Brittany was about four, my best friend died of Leukemia. Her boyfriend was beyond consolable, he really loved her and he did lose his mind due to her passing. They had a three year old son together. Anyway, the boyfriend wanted to be by himself to sort things out, and he even thought about putting the kid in a foster home for awhile. I was so scared of what might happen to the boy that I took him in for four months. I have heard such horror storys about the foster parents wanting to take the kids in just for money, or using them in their businesses and not feeding them right. It was weird taking care of a boy that looked exactly like my friend, but I got through it and the boyfriend sorted everything out in his head. We definately do need a stronger foster system - one that's more trustworthy and less greedy. I am so glad to hear of your commitment, Dave....you are a great man.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thank you all dear friends. I think this is just a step. But if we can make a better difference, it is totally a step in the right direction. It's a hard road, and sadly, there is much resistance in the discipline. I think a few times I have halfway lost my mind. But we will see how it goes.
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Dave - you are a saint! I may complain about what I see on a daily basis, but it's nothing like that. I had seen the story of baby P already, and am soooo glad that steps have been made to make sure that situation does not occur again... and even happier that I can say I know the guy who took care of that!
