Does anyone have recommendations for indoor places (preferably with AC and wifi) that would allow crafts and games?
It can't be a bar because I'll be with my 14yo. I've considered the library, but I don't think they would like us getting glitter on the tables and being a bit too loud while playing a game.
It's hard to do crafts and games at the park because it's either too windy or too hot.
Thanks!
Has any CASA out there ever adopted their youth? I know this is a major conflict of interest and is not recommended, but, in my training, we heard of a CASA that ended up going thru all the legal hoops to become their kiddo's adopted parent. We were told this is an incredibly rare situation, but it does happen.
I'd love to hear any stories from CASAs that took the steps to become an adoptive parent or legal guardian for their youth!
How do you encourage your teen to accept a placement when they keep denying placements?
How do you encourage your teen to participate in therapy when they don't want to talk to anyone?
These things are important, but sometimes I feel like foster kids get into a metal space where they feel like they have nothing to lose so there's no reason to engage in healthy behaviors like therapy, getting a home, staying in school, etc. It's like they get stuck engaging in unhealthy behaviors and can't break the pattern because there's no real incentive. I get that they have to want help in order to actually get the help, but isn't there something we can do to show them that the help is worth it? The SW told me to wait until things change for worse or better (and they usually get worse), but I just can't accept that answer.
How have y'all dealt with these situations? Was there a conversation that changed their mind for the better? Was there some sort of bribe your kid accepted or an incentive that made them accept help?
I have a 14yo girl that I am a CASA for and the cell phone rules and restrictions have me in a tizzy!
She had her cell phone taken away pretty soon after entering foster care (before I was her CASA) for safety concerns related to CSEC. She obviously wants her phone back, but no one will give her (or me!) solid info on when she can have it back or what she can do to get it back. She does have a secret phone without service that she uses with wifi. I want her to have a phone (for safety reasons), but I also want her to have a phone with parental controls (for safety reasons).
I understand her social worker doesn't want to give her the phone back because then she'll have unrestricted access, but she kind of has that now anyway. It seems like social workers aren't allowed to install or monitor parental controls on youth's phones, but if there is no one else that can do it, what do we do?
Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? How can a foster teen get a parental controlled cell phone?
I'm looking for suggestions for things to do with my teen girl (almost 14 yo) that are free or under $25 per person. I have a hard $25 limit. She likes steak, goth makeup, manga, slime, etc. Location needs to be in the city (not too far north or south).
The ideas I've thought of are: ice cream and walk in the park, movies, cheap restaurants, window shopping at the mall, arts and crafts at the park.
Anyone have any other suggestions? I now cheap/free is hard to come by these days.