A bit long sorry...We got a call in July about an almost 2 year old girl who was removed from a meth lab house. It made local news. Mom is still in jail awaiting trial. Dad had to take a paternity test, he was proven to be the father. He is playing the system hardcore. Didn't show up to the first visit, 40 mins late the next and late every other time and to the review board. He never got emotional at visitations prior to the theraputic counselor coming. Now he works himself up the last 15 mins and makes himself cry for her benefit. He didn't do it at the review board when we left, because no one was around except us when we left. He made a huge fuss about wanting a phone call a week to speak to the baby. Sept 12, I called and set up the day and time. He agreed, he has yet to call. Of course I document every little thing. I have spoken to her case worker and her GAL. CW never mentioned any of these shenanigans at the review board.

This child came to us with a severe outbreak of genital warts, the dr was even disgusted. She has HPV. She had a yeast infection so bad it looked like cottage cheese was spread all over her diaper area. We just barely got rid of it about 2 weeks ago. Many appts and meds later they finally found something that worked. Next week she is going to the OR to have dental work done. Her front four teeth are so severly decayed they have to cap them. I am in the dental field so I knew immediately that there was something wrong there. The dental and medical neglect of this poor child makes me sad.

Dad has been in prison for drug charges, assault charges and manufactoring as well. My husband and I are very concerned about her returning to that environment. Dad has stated to us and the counselor that nothing would change if she was to return. He is still dating the mother and frequently visits her and writes her. I'm not trying to say we are better, that's not how I am. But we can provide an amazing life for this child. When does the state see that she will just end up right back where she came from? The counselor even told me that the baby would just thrive in our house. She has. She is in daycare 4 days a week, she was never around other kids. So she had no socialization skills. Her warts are gone after many trips to the dermatologist one hour away. She is healty and happy.

It's frustrating to me that things like this happen. I know DCS's first goal is for reunification with family, but I don't think that is always best. Especially in this situation. My gut tells me that something weird is going on with the father and the baby. During a visit he stuck his hand down the front inside of her diaper to feel if she was wet, knowing she had active warts. She has had about 7 nightmares that we've witnessed where she thrashes around and yells no daddy no no no. I don't know what really to make of it, I've told the CW and GAL. She was really uncomfortable with bath time and diaper time if my husband was around. Now he is her fav person. This is def the one I will always be worried about and nervous how her life will be if she was to return to him. We have the adjudication mid Nov., I told the GAL everything since day one. The court and who ever else needs to know what's really going on. It drives me crazy that they only go off of what a CW says, a person who only comes once a month. I, as a foster parent, deal with this every day. I know more than anyone what's going on. They need to get our input more.