TB and Drug Tests

Youngest Son and Oldest Son filling out paperwork for drug screen and TB test. We have boys fill out ALL their own paperwork for everything (school, sports, doctor, etc.) as we moved further down the path to independence. It is surprising "what they do not know how to do" when we started this practice. 
For example, "You need to memorize your SSN" says me to Youngest Son. His response "Why?"

Our Foster Certification is moving forward inch by inch. Yesterday we made another family outing. Commuter Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I located the only CareNow location in Dallas that provides drug screening and TB tests for Jonathan's Place.

Each test was $55 for a total of $220 for our family of four. Each family member over the age of fourteen must be tested. We are fortunate to be able to afford these costs but I do think this is another financial consideration that could be challenging for potential foster care families.

Youngest Son delivers urine specimen to technician and electronically signs necessary form.

My TB poke. We cannot cover with band aid and cannot itch. We must go back within 48 to 72 hours to have it read. Commuter Husband will have to do it in Houston.

Here is where we are in the Foster Care process:

• July to Sep: 42 hours of in person training completed by Commuter Husband and me
• Oct: Our four family members completed background checks including fingerprinting
• Nov: Our four family members completing drug screens and TB testing

Next steps and hopeful timing:

• Nov to Dec: Commuter Husband and I to complete remaining independent training (online and reading.)
• Dec to Jan: Commuter Husband and I to complete 40 hours of observation in foster homes or shelters.
• Jan to Feb: Home Study completed including several updates we will need to make our home compliant.

LEARN MORE ... Is this how we want the State of Texas and Texans to care for these children?

1) Outrage is not enough.

In early November, special masters hired to scrutinize the system made over 50 recommendations. They include reducing caseloads, adding training and mentor programs, and giving new caseworkers more ramp-up time. Last week, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a brief that objected to every recommendation.

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2016/11/25/tax-cutting-texas-balance-foster-care-crisis-latest-evidence

2) The State of Texas says "We really need you to step up," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told participants in the Faith Leader Summit at the Texas Capitol.

Each month, about 50 abused or neglected children spend at least two nights each in a Child Protective Services office or at a motel because the state doesn't have suitable foster-care placements.

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2016/11/02/faith-groups-urged-help-texas-solve-shortage-foster-care-beds

3) In December 2015, Federal Judge finds Texas has "broken" foster care system

Long-term foster care in Texas is “broken” and routinely does grave harm to children already dealt a tough hand, a federal judge ruled.

U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack of Corpus Christi said the state violated the Constitution by keeping about 12,000 youngsters for years in an underfunded and poorly run system “where rape, abuse, psychotropic medication and instability are the norm.”

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2015/12/17/federal-judge-finds-texas-has-broken-foster-care-system-says-shell-order-changes