Pick-Up: With Lovebug, I got a call at about 5 pm the night we got her. The call came from Iowa KidsNet, initially, and then I received a second call from the DHS case worker. I asked all of my questions (like, how old, how long the stay, medical needs, other important factors, etc.) Per an agreement that Dan and I had made prior to getting this call, I told them we were interested, but I needed to check with my husband first. After calling my husband (and my mom, because...well...just because that's who I call), I called them back and told them we were ready to accept. By 7:30pm, I had Lovebug home, and had placed my Mommy-911 call to my mother, who came over to help us get things together for the night.
Well-Child Checkup: Within the first day or so of removal, children placed in foster care are taken to a doctor's appointment to assess where their physical health is. They do an exam, and may also take samples to test for drugs or other issues. It was at this visit that Lovebug had some immediate issues that needed to be taken care of. They sent us to urgent care, who sent us to the ER, and Lovebug was admitted for the evening for observation.
Support Worker Check-In: Our support worker (from Iowa KidsNet/Four Oaks) had to schedule an introductory visit to our house within the first couple of months of being assigned to us. It just happened to coincide with our placement with Lovebug.
Doctor Visit: Because of her stay in the hospital, Lovebug had to have a doctor's appointment scheduled with her pediatrician to check in. She passed with flying colors, and the next pediatrician appointment was scheduled for a week later to get caught up on shots.
Visits with Mom/Dad: Lovebug started visits with her parents shortly after her pediatrician cleared her. They typically happen three times a week, for about 2-3 hours each time. A Four Oaks employee picks Lovebug up, takes her (and her brothers, sometimes) to a location determined by her parents and supervises the visit, and then brings her home. These continue indefinitely.
Visit with Guardian Ad Litem: Lovebug had a check in with her attorney about a week or so after she was placed with us. Typically, this visit happens at our home so the attorney can see her in her environment. She will check in occasionally through the process, as necessary.
That pretty well sums up the first couple of weeks. They were hectic, and knowing what I know now I will be more prepared next time. But now, things have calmed down significantly. There's still the visits with her parents, which happen three times a week, and we will also have court appearances starting soon (more on that after the first one).
Well-Child Checkup: Within the first day or so of removal, children placed in foster care are taken to a doctor's appointment to assess where their physical health is. They do an exam, and may also take samples to test for drugs or other issues. It was at this visit that Lovebug had some immediate issues that needed to be taken care of. They sent us to urgent care, who sent us to the ER, and Lovebug was admitted for the evening for observation.
Support Worker Check-In: Our support worker (from Iowa KidsNet/Four Oaks) had to schedule an introductory visit to our house within the first couple of months of being assigned to us. It just happened to coincide with our placement with Lovebug.
Doctor Visit: Because of her stay in the hospital, Lovebug had to have a doctor's appointment scheduled with her pediatrician to check in. She passed with flying colors, and the next pediatrician appointment was scheduled for a week later to get caught up on shots.
Visits with Mom/Dad: Lovebug started visits with her parents shortly after her pediatrician cleared her. They typically happen three times a week, for about 2-3 hours each time. A Four Oaks employee picks Lovebug up, takes her (and her brothers, sometimes) to a location determined by her parents and supervises the visit, and then brings her home. These continue indefinitely.
Visit with Guardian Ad Litem: Lovebug had a check in with her attorney about a week or so after she was placed with us. Typically, this visit happens at our home so the attorney can see her in her environment. She will check in occasionally through the process, as necessary.
That pretty well sums up the first couple of weeks. They were hectic, and knowing what I know now I will be more prepared next time. But now, things have calmed down significantly. There's still the visits with her parents, which happen three times a week, and we will also have court appearances starting soon (more on that after the first one).
No comments:
Post a Comment