Dear Editor,
I enjoyed your reporter’s visit into my home and I was impressed
with her interest in teenagers such as Saul. I am also impressed
with Saul’s accomplishments in life and at Mt. Madonna. It is a
great school. The teachers are friendly and the staff is wonderful.
I think it is great you want to bring attention to successful Mt.
Madonna High School students. However, in your article you brought
up a whole new issue, which I feel some people do not know much
about. Some of what was written was misleading.
Dear Editor,
I enjoyed your reporter’s visit into my home and I was impressed with her interest in teenagers such as Saul. I am also impressed with Saul’s accomplishments in life and at Mt. Madonna. It is a great school. The teachers are friendly and the staff is wonderful. I think it is great you want to bring attention to successful Mt. Madonna High School students. However, in your article you brought up a whole new issue, which I feel some people do not know much about. Some of what was written was misleading.
I would like to open a window into the life of being a foster parent. For some, this might seem an uncomfortable issue, but believe me once I became one, my eyes opened wide.
First, social services goes into a troubled home and for safety reasons removes the child. The child becomes extremely stressed being taken from their family and way of life. Then the case is handed over to social workers who scramble to find a placement most comfortable for the child. This brings the child to us – the “foster parents.”
We dash around the house preparing for the newcomers as quickly as we can hoping to bring the child into an atmosphere that will calm and bring a feeling of safety to the child. Plus, we get together whatever clothing and toys will fit the child’s needs. Usually foster children come to us with nothing but the clothes on their backs. So, are we prepared? We better be!
Some very wise groups of people worked hard to put his program together. The foster parent MUST be educated to deal with some very hard cases. So very year we put in so many hours of training. Plus, every few years we update our CPR training and safety tips. Our homes must be open to social services and can be checked at any time. For the comfort and safety of the child, the telephone is available for calls to the social workers at any time.
Before we even begin to accept children, “pride” classes are given to all who accept the job of being a foster parent family. I say “family” because it takes the help of everyone in the home. Then, after all this, we have a program called Family to Family. That’s when everyone involved with the child gets together around the table and discusses their feelings, what the child needs, how the parents feel, and their families. Social Services is present as well – they keep it safe.
When social services first started this everyone was a little worried about bringing the foster family and the child’s family together. However, it works; everyone benefits, especially the child. We can find out how to help the child feel more comfortable, plus the family has a better idea of the care their child is getting while they get the help they need to put their lives back together.
What’s wonderful is just who all is involved. The schools, churches, doctors, dentists, librarians – the whole community – because this is all around us.
Also, one other thing was mentioned that others may not be aware of. There is a program for all foster children when they turn 16 years of age. The ILP prepares these teenagers to live on their own by teaching them the skills they need in life. They help them get jobs, a place to live, cooking skills, budget, banking – boy, I wish I had this guidance. These kids have not just a family that loves them but another family that loves them, too! This family reaches from one end of the city to another filled with people that care and want to help. The benefits are endless – because in one way or another we are all a part of this.
Gail Young, Gilroy
