DSS called last night about a placement. Initially I missed the call, but I connected with the caseworker, Katrina, who was still trying to place the child.
The child, Briana, is an 11 year old girl; her mom needs to find a new apartment, and left Briana and 2 other siblings unattended for a few hours. The other 2 siblings were placed, and Briana needed a place. But they (my caseworker Katrina and Briana's caseworker) were certain it'd be a super temporary placement: 3-5 days. They were still working on returning Briana to the mom.
So for 2 hours, I sat in my condo with friends and hashed out whether I was ready. What I needed to do, etc. The food I needed to buy. What about child care?
And then the caseworker called back and indicated that they were able to return Briana to her mom.
I was sad. But realism set in. If I'm going to do this thing, I need to DO THIS. Enough. Time to put on my grown lady panties and clean up shop.
So the next 2 weeks I'm committed to making my home child friendly.
For starters, I need to buy some non-diet food. My crew told me I need some fruit cups, applesauce, and some food that comes in a cardboard box. (Ha!)
I need to get furniture in the guest bedroom. I need to stash some more money aside in case the child needs a completely new wardrobe.
Yeah, it's on.
