Eye Opener

Yesterday was a busy day. I had an important meeting at DFCS and so left Jeremiah with some friends for the afternoon. Aaron picked him up after work and by the time I got home he was completely exhausted because he hadn't taken his nap. The little guy was asleep by 7:20. He didn't even want me to read him books, but just pointed at his bed and laid down all by himself. I thought we would get to sleep in a little this morning - but not a chance - we were up at 6:30!

About my DFCS meeting. I like to think that when I was a DFCS case worker I was open minded and did as good a job as I could under my circumstances. I like to think that the majority of my co-workers across the state were the same. Yesterday shook me a little. Because I can't give details, all I will say is that I sat through a meeting in which 4 DFCS staff sat across from a couple approved by our agency who want to adopt a teenage girl and basically grilled them like they were on trial. I could tell from the tone of their questions that they thought that the only reason someone would want to adopt a teenage girl would be to use her for labor or to abuse her. By the end of the meeting I was steaming mad and doing my best to remain polite and businesslike. I understand their concerns becuase they do not know the family like MCC does.. But 3 of the DFCS workers were rude and condescending and one lady never even changed facial expression or made eye contact. Just plain rude and unprofessional.

I realized something yesterday, up till now in my work with MCC I have always given DFCS the benefit of the doubt. Because I used to be a DFCS caseworker I am sypathetic towards them. Not anymore. The meeting I participated in yesterday showed me why people that I talk to in the community are fed up with the system. I will still be polite and professional - but I will no longer assume that every case worker we deal with has the best interest of the children at heart.

I hate becoming cynical and jaded....