I’ve mentioned before that I have one RAD daughter out of my 39 children. She is involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice system as she’s stolen several big ticket items from schoolmates on several occasions. Next theft will result in a Youth Detention Center confinement as she will then have gone through a series of sanctions, chances, and events.

I’ve had her in private therapy for years, nearly 8 years, and now in court ordered Intensive Family Intervention Therapy with one of the most professional mental health workers I’ve ever... more

One of my children, nearly my size, out-weighs me; flat-out refused to go to school today. I could have wrestled him to the ground, got his shoes and socks on him, and drug him 1/4 mile down the dirt road to push him on the bus, or I could have thought of Plan B.

I had a scheduled meeting at the juvenile facility in which my 15 year old son resides. "Road trip!" I hollered, turning it into an educational field trip, complete with listening to Mark... more

I’ve blogged about mental health and school issues with older adopted children and I have yet another scenario faced by our family. One son, adopted at age 8, sweet as a puppy then, grew up to be an angry, mistrustful, and dangerous teenager.

He’d had multiple caretakers that had let him down over the years, failed placements, people he’d grown attached to end their relationship with him, plenty of disappointments, heartaches, sadness and grief in his short life. To him, I was just another lady; the finality of adoption meant nothing to him. Why trust?

For the last several years his behaviors have grown increasingly violent, much destruction ensued, defiance, lashing out,... more

Many Foster Parents and Adoptive Parents alike may face the issue of out of home placement. Any child at anytime can go through tremendous changes. Some of which they can control and some that they can not control.

With the fragility of our children at hand. Sometimes a therapist might suggest out of home placement. For the child to be evaluated for medications or for the child to receive more quality care than can be offered by out patient treatment.

It is a very difficult decision as a parent to make. You want to do what is best for the child.... more

When we began foster care. We were blessed to meet Billy. He was our first foster son.

For six weeks he seemed to be the most delightful child on earth. He was kind and he seemed to get along well with everyone he met. He loved being the center of attention.

It wasn't until his siblings were placed with us that we began to have problems with our Billy. He seemed to change over night. He became a bully. He was mean to everyone. He treated females including me as if we were less of a human than the men in the house.

It went from this to... more

You would think that after all the times I have had to attend court with April and her foolish acts. I would be used to it by now. But like every parent when your child is on the line. You worry and loose sleep. You pray and ask God once again to dig your child out of the mess they have gotten into.

The thing is...Once you open your heart up to a child and you begin to love them. No matter how bad things get. That love never changes.

That is what I find so precious about adoption and foster care. You can love a child as deeply as if they are a part of your soul. When they hurt you hurt. When they smile it lights up your world.

No matter what you always want... more

Well after three days home. April was back hanging with her friends. They went to the park and had a few issues and the police showed up at our door to make sure April was not involved.

One week later My darling daughter was off to the movies with her friends. We were sitting here at home watching the T. V. when a phone call come in from the police.

Instead of being at the Movies. April and her friend was at the local store commuting Retail Fraud for a total of $5.18. Yep they tried to steal two Energy Drinks instead of buying them.

Now we are waiting again for a court date. This is really getting old. She is four weeks away from being 17. At that point... more

Be Aware. You are not the only Ant attending this picnic.

More and More children from foster homes and the general families around America are aging out more quickly. Most without the life skills they will need for the basics of living alone.

For some reason they can not maintain life with mom or dad and they are seeking a way out. Some families allow their "problem teen" to live with a relative. Some have serious issues and the teen ends up in state care.

Others are aging out of Foster Care Homes. But do not have a... more

There has been so much talk about young adults aging out of foster care or adoptive homes. Many of which do not have a clue as to what they want to do with their life.

Many Foster/Adoptive Parents try and help the kids get their first job and their first apartment or car. For those lucky enough to keep working on their education and go on to college, there are a lot of grants and student support systems out there for them.

It is the young teens who have not finished high school and have not had their first job who have no clue as to... more

Well I was right. April is pacing back and forth like a caged tiger in her new foster home placement. She is determined to make them let her come home. Her worker is determined to let her stay there.

In the meantime we are determined to use our time away from April wisely. So we will be going down state for a stress free weekend with our family.

The new movie "Cars" will be coming out by Friday and my grandson Devin and I have a date. Angela is welcome to come along or stay and play with her older sister. Off to the movies it is for grandpa, Devin and I.

Which brings me back to April. She is fit to be tied that we are having fun without her. She is so used to... more