It was our monthly visit with Rachel and she hesitantly said… “There is an aunt who has come forward”. My heart sunk. Really?! Over a year into the case and a relative decides to come forward? Rachel explained that a search for relatives was conducted now that we are in TPR posture. This allows the agency to explore the options of any relatives who may be appropriate for the girls.

Well, this is not a conversation I am liking…

The aunt lives out of town and has one of the girls’ older half-siblings (same mother, not same father) under permanent guardianship. Since the case has been re-opened they would also like to change their custody to adoption rather than permanent guardianship (so Pam cannot try to gain custody again… and there are benefits to adopting from Foster Care).

Rachel reassured me that it would take a lot for the girls to be moved with this aunt, but a home study has been requested to learn more about them. Rachel promised to keep us informed as much as possible.

Now you should be understanding why we refer to fostering as an emotional rollercoaster!