Frankly Ronda: Z - Foster Care Week One

The week has gone ... as expected. We are better equipped to know how things are going to go. Here is a typical week one for foster care:

Clothing: Z arrived Friday night, January 25th, with a few basics but we had to equip him with most clothing. Through generous friends and some clothes we already had, he had everything he needed by Sunday! We also visited Jonathan's Place warehouse on Tuesday to get a few more clothing items, shoes and toys.

Texas Law School Enrollment: We enrolled Z in our local elementary in Kindergarten. He was able to start Monday. Texas laws allow foster kids to be enrolled with the understanding that their school records will arrive later.

Aftercare: Since Foster Dad and I both work, we must have care after school. Our local elementary YMCA care was full. We explained our situation and fortunately they were able to enroll Z by Wednesday last week. The YMCA program is at the school and provides exceptional care. We are not reimbursed by the State for the after care costs since YMCA is not certified by Texas to partner on funding (I think this is ridiculous and an issue in foster care.)

Texas Law Medical 3 Day: Z had to have a medical exam within 3 days of placement. Thankfully, Jonathan's Place provides access to a medical professional at their location on Tuesdays and Fridays. We were able to take Z in Tuesday afternoon. His health is good and he is on the small side.

Service Plan for First 30 Days: Our Jonathan's Place Caseworker documented Z's 30 Day Service Plan and we signed it.

Texas Law Family Visit: The goal of foster care is family reunification and this is supported by weekly family visits. Z had his first visit last Thursday with his Bio Mom. CPS provided transport since the location is one hour away. Z was out of school for 1/2 day and this will happen every week. Z was not overly distressed after this visit but we have seen some acting out over the weekend. He reported he was happy to see Bio Mom and they played a game. The visits occur at the CPS office and are supervised.

Texas Law Medical and Dental: I have made Z's required 30 day medical appointment at Children's Rees-Jones Foster Clinic for February 11. I also have to make a dental appointment.

Reports: During first week I am supposed to do daily online reports. Between care and work, this proved to be a challenge this week.

Structured Activities: We have signed Z up for YMCA Swim lessons in March and a soccer intro clinic.

Here is how Z is doing and how we are doing:

Z eats VERY well. He is eating a wide variety of foods and he is eating large portions. He seems to be responding to healthy, consistent nutrition. We are grateful that foods are not an issue. He fits in well at our family dinner table. Z even went to Flower Child with us and gobbled up his organic, healthy meal.

With some sage advice and products gifted from trusted friend, we are learning to take care of Z's hair and skin. Z is biracial so we have a learning curve. After one week, I think his hair and skin look better than when he joined us.

Once asleep, Z does sleep through most of night. We have been working diligently to get him away from a 5am wake up time and seem to be making some progress toward our 7am goal. He did act out at bedtime last night which was stressful ... hopefully tonight will be better.

We are working on a daily schedule and structure. We do not think Z had a structured paradigm so he can be resistant which results in moments of defiance. Overall, I think we are making progress and he is responding positively most of time. We just have to put forth the energy and dedication to get him comfortable.

Z is doing well with independence. He can dress himself, brush his teeth, put away toys and take dishes to sink.

Emotionally, Z seems happy and okay being here. He is high energy! He loves shooting baskets outside so we have been doing that allot. Z plays with cars all the time and his favorite toy is his remote controlled car. He does exhibit fears of bugs and anything that looks scary to him.

Z is a dodger meaning he takes off on us. While at Youngest Son's soccer game, Z ran onto the field while Youngest Son's team was playing. I ran after him, he ran more, I grabbed, he fell, I picked him up ... we were great entertainment for the crowd in the stands.

Z is a talker. His verbal skills are on track, vocabulary decent and he has an easy laugh. He is a joyful child who enjoys school. Reading time is fun for both of us; he is responding to being read to and is totally engaged. CPS believes Z will benefit from one on one attention. I agree.

By Texas State Law, Z will get a psychological evaluation. I have also requested an occupational (gross motor skills) and speech (some letters pronounced wrong) assessments.

Foster Dad, Youngest Son and I are all doing well too. We are able to set parameters around our foster placements. Our home is open to one elementary age child with basic care requirements. I think one child is about all we can manage truthfully.

Glimpses: