I Don't Understand

Evie had a visit with her mom today. 

Side note: From other blogs I have read, in some other states, the foster parent is required to transport the child to and from the parent visits that are supervised by DSS.  And/or the child is required to be at court dates, and the foster parent is required to transport them there, too.  Not in my state.  The social worker transports the child to parent visits, and neither the child (nor the foster parent) is required to be at court.  So for anyone looking into fostering, realize that every state is different in terms of what the foster parent's responsibilities are. 

First of all, her half-brother who lives in another state was there.  He is staying with his mom for the week (this is at least the second time this summer that he has been here to visit).  I DO NOT understand how a child is staying - especially for an extended period of time - in an environment that was deemed unsafe for Evie and her brother J.  I do not understand how DSS is allowing another child to stay there.  And I don't understand how Mom is okay with having her two kids watch their half-brother stay with her, when they aren't allowed to stay with her themselves. 

Second of all, Evie came back with about ten pieces of clothing from her mom, ranging in size from 2T to 5.  The child is almost five years old, and was in the 75th percentile for both height and weight even when I got her.  I understand if maybe you don't know what size your kid wears, especially because they haven't been with you for the last three months.  But why in the world would anyone think that a size 2T would fit the same child that a size 5 would fit?!  AND even though there is some variation in sizing between brands, etc, two of the items were the exact same skirt, one in size 2T and the other in size 4.  Common sense says at least one of these will definitely not fit. 

I guess having common sense doesn't usually land your kid in foster care.