In the past we very seldom gave up on a child, even through destructive, verbally abusive, truant and physically violent behaviors. We knew we had time on our side, and coupled with our good program we knew we would be able to help the children to learn responsibility, competency, and stable mental health.
The saddest thing about the Continuum of Care Act, which goes into effect January 1st, is that we will no longer have time in the group homes. The good news is - the foster families will! It will cost them a little more paperwork, they will have to have more training, and for those parents who take the more difficult children, they will have to learn to use the support services we will provide.
Come join the team that truly has the opportunity to make a difference. The children will exist with their past trauma regardless whether the system has a workable idea or not. Please don't discount the children because of the difficulty of the system.