Some Prayers Please . . . (sad)

[joshsmom]

I'm a Child Welfare Specialist in Illinois. I deal with abused and neglected children and their families on a daily basis. I work with intact families, children in foster care, and I facilitate adoptions.

A few days ago I got a case (and I DON'T want this to turn into a debate) of a 12 year old girl (won't be 13 until September) who is 23 weeks pregnant with her step-father's child. Yes, he's in jail. But, as you can imagine, this family is going through some very serious emotions. I am just asking you to please say a little prayer for this girl and her family. She has siblings (the youngest is 2 months old). Her mother has now lost her source of income (he's rotting in jail where he belongs), her marriage (at least I pray she doesn't go back to him), and her support (her family has turned their back on them). Plus her 12 year old daughter is going to be a MOTHER.

WHAT is this world coming to when people feel that they can abuse a child and change their lives forever????? God help us all.

 

[kilee]

goodness-- it's not a time to judge. I hope they can find some peace and happiness.

 

[Pop Daddy]

prayed

 

[Serena]

That's so sad.

 

[debster812]

Oh my. I have absolutely no words. None.

Prayers for this whole family. And for you.

Bless you for doing what you do, and helping them. It takes an incredibly special soul to do the work that you do.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

 

[ilovepcot]

I'll gladly pray for this family! Will also pray that you continue to find the strength and will to continue doing the good work that you do. You have my respect!

 

[C.Ann]

My DD works in a residential group home for troubled girls (ages 12 to 18) and the horror stories she tells me are absolutely heartbreaking..

The "moms" that choose the rapist boyfriend/husband/stepfather over the daughters.. The girls who don't get to make "home visits" because the parent(s) don't want to be bothered.. The 12 yr. old who had been sexually abused by her mom's boyfriends for years and arrived at the group home clutching her raggedy teddy bear.. The girls who wait for someone to come and get them for the Christmas holidays - and no one ever arrives.. The 13 yr. old with the drug abusing mom and the dad who is in prison.. And on and on and on..

I gave up trying to figure out what's going on in this world when my DD when to work there almost 10 years ago.. If she had her way, they would ALL be living in her house, but the "state" has different ideas - some good, some not so good.. Most of the time the kids just end up getting shipped back to the abusive, non-caring "parents" after a couple of years and they get to suffer all over again..

I'll surely say a prayer for that little girl - and all the other girls just like her..

 

[danacara]

My thoughts are with the girl, but I have to tell you, you are a stronger woman than me. There is no way I could wake up to this stuff every day, head out there and genuinely keep trying to make a difference in these lives ... I respect you for doing this job!

 

[Mimi Q]

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

Prayers said for this awful situation.

You mentioned though that the little girl is going to be a "mother".......and I see that you facilitate adoptions...I pray adoption is being discussed in this situation.

 

[joshsmom]

Originally posted by HauntedMansionGeek
I pray adoption is being discussed in this situation.

Adoption would be what I would recommend for the family--but I wouldn't be facilitating this one. I would refer the family to a community resource that facilitates adoptions. The adoptions I am part of deal with children that are in foster care and parental rights have been terminated. I then facilitate the adoption between the child and an adoptive resource (most often the foster home they are in). It would actually be a conflict of interest for me to assist with this adoption directly because we (the State of Illinois) do not have guardianship of the 12 year old.

I truly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers with regards to this situation. I use these boards as therapy sometimes because I just need to get away from the things on my mind. But this little girl is staying at the forefront and probably for a very good reason. I'm worried about her and her family. I knew I would receive support here and I knew many people would see this and say a prayer. They can use all the prayers we can give them.

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

I can hear the concern in your post......it must be so hard to go home and not have this on your mind all the time.

So many HUGE sad and scary things for this one family.

They WILL be in my thoughts and prayers. Wow...I just can't fathom how hard this must be for everyone.

 

[Melora]

Prayers sent... how sad...

 

[FINFAN]

You bet ...and might I add you make a world of difference for many people in your work.
Thanks for that.

 

[Growin'upDisney]

joshsmom - I have a very good friend who lives in Illinois and works as a family social worker as well. Are you anywhere near Bollingbrook?

She has told us some very heart wrenching stories. I don't know how she and people like you do it. You are truly special people. Please know that the work you do makes a difference and many people greatly appreciate it even if your job many times seems thankless.

 

[holycow]

Oh, so very sad...prayers sent...and one for you too and all of the good you are trying to do...

 

[hockeymom7691]

You are a very special person to deal with those types of issues day in & day out. My prayers are sent to both you and to the family involved.

 

[helenabear]

Oh dear..... my prayers are with them all... may they find the strength they need an happiness in their lives as well.

 

[CRB#33]

Oh my

Thank you for all you do and know that this family is in my prayers.