My Purpose

I'm growing closer and closer to my purpose. My latest (foster) teen that ran away nearly 3 weeks ago was captured last night by the police.

I spent all day Friday negotiating her return with the 7 social workers who weren't able to talk to one another, etc. etc. In fact, I was the person that notified her parents.

I could go in depth about this - about how her biological mother had near-daily onversations with her, while teen was a runaway. But I'm too tired.

Long story short: The police found her and her twin yesterday. My twin was returned to DSS care. I retrieved her last night.

But today, while I attended an 8 hour training, my teen left. Again. I'm giving her 1 hour (until midnight) to meet her 11:30 curfew.

But trust. I am not holding my breath.

Hotel Tiff

It's been 4 1/2 days since my 4th teen ran away (not all have been runaways). She ran on Halloween - the night before her big court date. She's somewhere on the streets in a vacant apartment building with her identical teen.

Her clothes and belongings are still in my home. I haven't even cleaned up yet, and DSS called with another placement. I'm still emotionally attached to her.

When I explained that my teen is missing and I still have her things, the worker persisted, "But she's AWOL, right? We need a bed. It's just respite, Ms. Bright."

And just like that, my former foster daughter, current runaway, is pushed to the side.