Foster-Adoption

Question: Foster Adoption? I am a 40 year old single woman fostering a 4 month old I have had since birth. The parents rights should be terminated by the end of the month. What are my chances of adopting an infant from foster care at my age?

Answer: Hi Bebopbailey, I don't think your age would be a factor preventing you from adopting. Single people also adopt sometimes. However, relatives of the baby will always have the first opportunities to adopt him/her if the parents' rights are officially terminated. Keep in mind most states usually give the parents about 18 months first to get on a program to sort out whatever problems are preventing them from parenting at this time. 4 months sounds very short. You might want to doublecheck that. If the parents successfully do everything that has been required, they have a good chance of gaining custody back of their child. Remember, the primary purpose of foster care is to provide temporary care while efforts are made to permanently reunify the natural family. Decisions should be made according to what is best for the child in the long run. Being with immediate or extended family is usually best. The important thing is that the baby be placed in the best available home possible. I hope for the best for the child. julie j reunited adoptee

Question: Is it a waste of time to suggest foster adoption to those looking to adopt privately or internationally? I could have sworn this question was asked before (maybe even by me! Ha ha!), but I can't seem to find it in RQ...I'm interested in the answers, though. Seriously, are we just wasting our breath suggesting foster adoption to PAPs on Y!A? Or is it better to just leave well enough alone?

Answer: yeah. most people already have their minds made up and foster care has older kids. most people that ask about adopting want to have a baby ~ not a teenager or a 8 year old. and then they also want something that they believe is "perfect" ~ foster kids arent. we have alot of baggage and it takes special people to want to care for them. my foster parents are saints and i have been really hard. they never wanted a baby. they new from day one they wanted to adopt from foster care. i think that is how it is. those that adopt from foster care know from the beginning.

Question: What does "financially stable" actually mean in the foster/adoption world? How do you prove/disprove it? Are there actual income requirements? We're in Arizona and would like to foster parent, and eventually adopt internationally (no preference yet). Just curious before we start down the path! Thanks!

Answer: Every state and sometimes each county will have their own guidelines. Generally there is an orientation night interested people can attend where many of the "local" issues are discussed. Most of the time you will be able to leave this meeting knowing where you will need to work the hardest. There is generally training coursed which are usually a series of evenings or long all day weekends. If you will be planning to adopt my advice is to take the highest level of training even if you intend to foster parent as well. In many cases you will need to attend the training classes in order to be certified to turn in your Adoption or Foster Parent Application. These are different every where with some being very short providing just some basic information, with other's being very in-depth asking for detailed information. When your training is complete, your application ready, you will be asked to provide 3-7 references. These people will be contacted and will be asked to complete a written document. In our state each person we listed was sent paperwork from DHS and our application waited until the correct number were returned. While waiting for our references everyone living in the home over the age of 18 had to be finger printed and complete a criminal history and background check. We had to proving the addresses of Every Place we lived. Once all of that came back to the DHS office we were assigned to a Social Worker who would be our "Boss and Partner" for the rest of the way. Our worker was responsible for writing our Home Study and would Represent us with DHS for the rest of the process. During our work with him to create our home study the details were each addressed. Our Home, Financial, Medical and Mental Health. As these things were gone over the Social Worker would request more information if there was a reason to be concerned. Financially, they want to know that you are able to support your household on your current income and will not be dependent on the foster parent income or adoption support in order to meet your basic financial obligations. As with any other Financial Stability issue past credit may have a role if there is something major like a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or very negative credit history. You might be asked to show how things have changed. Generally, there needs to be one primary income earning parent in the household. You will be asked to complete the basic spending and earning applications. This will ask you to report your monthly bills, mortgage/rent, utilities, phone, cable, credit cars, insurance. You will also be required to prove income by pay stub, tax records and bank account information. Actual Income requirements would have to do with your cost of living and your personal finances. When everything is put together the important thing will be whether your complete record indicates that you can financially meet the needs of your own family and household and have a safe, secure home with room for another child. It is a little bit long because when things are done right everyone is working to place children in the homes that best meet their needs. There are no-across the board rules for each state, county or family as the process is about putting the whole picture together so your family will have the best possibility of meeting the needs of children who will be placed. *

Question: if foster adoption is the best way to go about? Foster-to-adopt' How does this work we have been told it is the easiest way to go about and we have a big chance getting a baby?!? really not negitave stuff.. I've been told i cant carry full term do to medical conditions. We are ready to be parents and are not looking to replace our babies but looking to bring a baby into our lives and start a wonderful family! my question is how long does a foster adoption take and where to start and if this is a good way to go or any other adoption ideas of and if this matter we live in Cali

Answer: Many would differ as to whether or not it is the easiest way to go and gives you a big chance for an infant. It really all depends upon your area and how your program works. Foster to adopt has it's own stresses and potentials for disappointment unique in adoptions. Normally what happens is that when a child comes into foster care and the Dept strongly suspects it will be placed for adoption it is placed with a foster to adopt family as long as it (the placement) matches the needs of both the family and the child. The foster to adopt parents will become the foster parent for the child while the system plays out. By that I mean that while you are fostering the child the birth parents are hopefully working on their issues, be they rehab, vocational training or even legal action if they have been arrested for something like abusing the child. Of course, depending upon the success of any of those the child could be returned to their parents or even another family member if someone comes forward. Thats a big thing for foster to adopt parents to consider because it could all end at any time and reunification is always the goal. You can't get your hopes up and you must remember to act as a foster parent only till permanent guardianship has been awarded and the birth parents rights have been severed...IF that is going to happen. The ages of the children available naturally depend upon the ages of the children brought into the program. All ages come into care and go for adoption and the more you limit yourself the longer the process will take. In our last case we had a placement with a 4 day old that we were able to eventually adopt but she came into the program after her mother had a long, long history with the Dept as well as 6 previous apprehensions of children from this mother. We did not ask for an infant although we did request younger ages. It was just fate that we were blessed with this little one. On average, depending upon regulations in your area, it could take 6 months to a year to work through the process to be approved and then, depending upon the age of the child you are looking for it could take hours, weeks, months or years for a placement. Older children need homes too and you have a better chance of a speedier match if you consider older children. It is just as rewarding and while it has it's own challenges (for both you and the child) you will have challenges with an adopted child at any age. If you are intersted in learning more then call your local Dept of Social Services (or what ever it is called in your area) and speak to a worker or attend an informational open house. Thats pretty much the only way you will be able to get the real low down in your area so that you can make up your minds as to how to proceed. Good luck. Edit I won't say that none of the children have issues but contrary to what the poster below me put there are plenty of so called normal children (who among us is really normal anyway) in foster care who are awaiting adoption. Our daughter is 100% healthy and, Lord willing, she will remain that way. We had a placement of our daughter exactly 3.5 hours after the call telling us we were approved in the program and licensed and as I noted already, she was only 4 days old. We got to check her out of the hospital in fact. BUT, I fully admit that our case was most likely an anomaly. At the same time though, it can happen.

Question: How does Foster-Adoption work (in brief)? In addition- can you choose the age range you're willing to adopt. My husband and I are 25 with a son due in July. We're still a couple years away from adopting, but we want to adopt someone who will be younger than our son. We want to make sure we are experienced parents with the age we're adopting. Also- can anyone tell me the average cost (so we can start saving)? Thanks so much for any help!

Answer: Adoption through foster care is essentially free. You will have to pay for physicals (if your insurance doesn't cover them), fingerprinting, and other minor things like that, but you do not pay DCFS for the child. We had to pay to hire an attorney to finalize our son's adoption (about $300), but that was reimbursed to us by the county. Yes, you can choose the age range of the child, but it may make your wait longer. I think that adopting a child younger than your biological child is the best way to go. Give your new baby time to grow up as an only child for a while...then look into foster-to-adopt.

Question: The first couple of days with a new foster/adoption? My wife and I are in the process of getting certified for adoption from our DCFS. What we would like to know is how did people go about the first couple of days with a new foster/adopted child. We'd also love to know what kids would like to have happen the first couple of days. I realize that there are a ton of issues but is it best to have a 'sit down' and discuss what is needed/wanted/necessary to be in our house (our as in my wife, me and the new child(ren)). Thanks!

Answer: Congratulations on letting these children into your home!!! What you need varies, of course, by age. You will hopefully learn a bunch during training. But the early days are most influenced by where they are coming from (another foster home, shelter care, hospital, bio's, grandmom's, another county, etc.) If they are coming straight from their bio home, you may need to take them to a doctor within the first 48 hours. They might not have any clothes or diapers with them, in which case a trip to Target is necessary. Or you might need to wash all of the clothes, baby bottles, etc. You might also need to get prescriptions filled. If there has been abuse, you should have photographs taken by the hospital/social worker/doctor. If the court has decided the child is not going home, you will need to take care of school enrollment. If they have special needs, you need to contact their therapists or get them evaluated. There might be a mandatory visit with their relatives during that first week, too. You will need to prepare them for that and be prepared for the emotional roller-coaster that follows. Some toys (electronics) or movies geared to your preferred age group would be nice to have on hand so they can get comfortable at your house. Many of these children have never had vegetables or fresh fruit and a well-balanced family meal is unheard of. So be prepared to ease them into new dining habits. Some chips, nuts, cereal bars, "Easy Mac", canned fruit cocktail, Gatorade, Eggo Waffles are good to have on hand. They will not be impressed by homemade culinary delights. A tight sealed Rubbermaid box is good to have, as well. Many of the children hoarde food in their bedrooms. If this behavior surfaces, let them know it's okay, but it's gotto go in the box. That is your box to keep no matter what. Compile a Phone List as you proceed through your training: a list of doctors & dentists who accept medicaid; Early Intervention (age 0-3) or the Public School System (ages 3+) for developmental delays/therapies; School registrar Agency's Social Workers Medicaid Coordinators Visitation Coordinators It is very easy if they are coming from another quality foster home. But that doesn't happen very often :-( This is all the background stuff that goes on. Most important is to make the child feel as though there is no inconvenience and you are happy he is there. . . .The first few days are usually a "honeymoon" period. Rules and routines can be slowly introduced during that time, with most of the emphasis on helping them adjust to their new situation. Good luck on your adventure.

Question: Is there any presidnetial candidate out there who has mentioned changing our foster/adoption system? (or our social services, dealing with children and family issues)

Answer: Yes, http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/relea… I can't immediately find anything on Barak Obama or John McCain, though.

Question: Can children put themselves into foster/ adoption care?

Answer: No, but they can start "the wheels turning." If they are being abused they can talk to their teacher, minister, daycare worker--who are all mandated workers and Must contact the hot line. If a child is a runaway and is picked up by police the police wilol call an agency worker{that works with runaways] if the child admits to being abused the worker must call the hotline and make a report. In 17 yrs of doing that service I must have made close to or maybe a thousand calls.

Question: Why do you think it is that anti-adoption (excluding foster adoption) folks are not admitting that there are? So many GOOD outcomes from adoption?

Answer: I don't have to admit it. I've been blessed enough to be living it and my children are doing well also. Thats not to say that it's the same with everyone experience though and I think that in society we tend to only complain about the bad things we see or feel and we are less likely to celebrate the good. Kinda like the old squeaky wheel getting the grease.

Question: Do you think that widespread confusion about the differences between foster adoption and private adoption...? ...have made adoption reform, or any other type of meaningful discussion next to impossible? When someone can claim that a person has no business being a parent because they left their 2 year old child somewhere to go drink, and correlate that to the supposed benefits of private newborn adoption, maybe we are spinning our wheels. How can we change this?

Answer: I doubt it will change because infant adopters and hopefuls love to play the abuse card. "What about all the kids burned with cigarettes and live without heat?!", they whine. Of course they personally have NO intention of adopting any of these children. But they sure are handy to exploit when you need 'em, however.

Question: Have any presidents been adopted? If so, did they do anything good for foster/adoption situations? None, kay. Any presidents adopt or be related to an adoptee and do something?

Answer: Presidents who adopted include: Ronald Reagan - adopted Michael Reagan with 1st wife Jane Wyman Andrew Jackson - Andrew Jackson Jr, a twin & the nephew of AJ's wife. They also adopted son, Lincoya, a Creek Indian. The Jackson's were guardians to 8 other children, orphaned relatives of his wife & of a family friend. James Polk - and wife Sarah had no children but were guardians to Polk's nephews. James Buchanan - never married, guardian to two nieces Grover Cleveland - birth father, arranged for his illegitimate son's adoption by a wealthy NY couple James Madison - step dad to Dolley Madison's son George Washington - step dad to Martha's son & daughter http://www.upstairsatthewhitehouse.com/p… http://ouradopt.com/adoption-blog/sep-20… More info: http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/u.s.-p… "The concept of adoption was not legally recognized in the United States until the 1850’s, with the inception of the first adoption statutes. While transfers of children to substitute parents had occurred informally since American colonial times, adoption statutes legitimized the informal adoptive arrangements which previously existed. During the early years of American society, no formal procedures existed for recording births or name changes. This facilitated an informal ability to have adoptive arrangements. Very often these informal placements were economically motivated. Farm families had great need for child labor. The advent of industrialization in the US resulted in massive immigration to major cites where families often were unable to support or care for their children. Informal transfers of these children to other families, by either the indigent parents or the charitable institutions where parents sometimes left their children, promoted these types of placements. This situation provided the impetus for the orphan trains between 1854 and 1929." ETA: As mentioned, Bill Clinton was adopted by his step father. The difference between his adoption & most others is that Bill knows his history. Same with Gerald Ford. Most adoption records are sealed. The Clintons did a lot while in office to support adoption by passing The Adoption & Safe Families Act of 1997, which removed barriers to adoption & increased adoption from foster care. http://www.ncsl.org/programs/CYF/asfaslr… http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/1999pres/9… http://edition.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/… http://www.researchetcinc.com/historyofa… As always...there are two sides to every story... "With the implementation of the Adoption and Safe Families Act, President Clinton tried to make himself look like a humanitarian who is responsible for saving the abused and neglected children. The drive of this initiative is to offer cash "bonuses" to states for every child they have adopted out of foster care, with the goal of doubling their adoptions by 2002, and sustaining that for each subsequent year. They actually call them "adoption incentive bonuses," to promote the adoption of children. Everybody makes money. If anyone really believes that these people are doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, then I’ve got some bad news for you. The fact that this program is run by HHS, ordered from the very top, explains why the citizens who are victims of DSS get no response from their legislators. It explains why no one in the Administration cares about the abuse and fatalities of children in the "care" of DSS, and no one wants to hear about the broken arms, verbal abuse, or rapes. They are just business casualties. It explains why the legislators I’ve talked to for the past three years look at me with pity. Because I’m preaching to the already damned." http://www.massnews.com/past_issues/2000…

Question: Is foster adoption really free? I remember reading this somewhere & I wasn't sure whether it was true or not. Are there no fees or anything?

Answer: I am adopting through the foster system in Los Angeles. It is completely free and they actually pay you once a month, about $460. until the child is 18 years old, even after the adoption! This was a total surprise to me. I would have adopted our child, even if I had to pay. However, here in Los Angeles once a child is in the "system" they considered that child hard to place and thus offer incentives. They also get college paid for when they are ready to attend and MediCal (medical insurance) until they are 18. Even if you have that child on your own insurance, MediCall will cover the co-pay and if your insurance does not cover something completly you can use Medical to cover the remaining balance. They also have free post-adoption services and workshops that you can attend. The foster system does have it's problems, but so far it has worked for us.

Question: Recommendations for books/movies about foster/adoption...? We already have "the other mother" at the top of our list, but I am looking for some docudrama, real stories of birth mothers, Adopted children, Adoptive Parents, foster parents etc. (movies preferably). Any advice, tips help would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance.

Answer: Sorry, don't know too many movies that do the adoptee's point of view justice. These books, however, I found excellent, and rather quick reading: * "Being Adopted: The Lifelong Search for Self" by Brodzinsky, Schecter, and Henig * "Journey of the Adopted Self" by Betty Jean Lifton * "The Primal Wound" by Nancy Verrier

Question: Foster/Adoption Q. Those of you who have recently been through this.? My Husband and I are going through our Homestudy, and wanted to know from those of you who have been through the Foster/Adoption process here recently, what do you have to do in the PVP part? The one lady said it's just an interview at their office, you go in separately. But now that I've made that appt. this lady said we would have to go through 3 small assessments. Do you know what that is? What you have to do?

Answer: I just finished mine 5 minutes ago, literally! In each assessment, they'll interview you both, compare answers, check on paperwork, interview you again once more of the paperwork is in, such as criminal checks, and then they'll interview you again to see what your family is like, and how you can help children, and see what kind of child would be best suited for your needs. Just always tell the truth, and that way you'll have nothing to worry about. They're trying to see by interview you how your confidence level is (for instance, if you're not confident, they might not assign you a child who is the child of a private investigator who might confront you, or a teen who's got a mind of their own). They'll make sure you're open minded enough to deal with different situations, such as an 8 year old who might have innappropriate sexual behavior by trying to kiss your husband, because that's what she's learned in the past. They'll also want to know that if a situation arises that means you don't feel comfortable with taking a child, such as finances or if you're overloaded with work with the ones you have, that you have the confidence to say no, so that way you don't have a sibling group of 5 and are so distraught that you snap. I know these are extremes, but it's needed informaton. Good luck! Some child actually needs a home!

Question: Names for a dog foster/adoption service? What are some good names for a dog fostering and re-homing/adoption service? Not too cheesy, please.

Answer: Puppy Placement Homes for Hounds A Dogs Life be interesting to see what others come up...

Question: Kinship/ Foster/ Adoption Question? Can someone tell me the differences between kinship adoption/ fostering and regular adoption/ foster. I do know that kinship is family, we are in the process of looking into it to get custody of my nephew but any other information would be helpful. We are in NY btw

Answer: It sounds as if you may be dealing with the foster care system. Usually, when people refer to kinship care, they are referring to placing a child in the home of a family member and sometimes even a close friend (e.g., god parent) who is like family to the child. Kinship adoption refers to adoption by a family member which is one of the preferred permanency plans after reunification. Regular foster care means that a child is placed in a foster home that has been licensed by the state/agency. Meaning the foster family has gone through the requirements like attending classes, submitting to fingerprints and completing a criminal background check, etc. And, of course, if the foster parent choose to adopt, then that would be considered regular adoption - adoption by a non-relative. Usually, kinship care providers do not receive foster care stipends but they may be eligible for flex funds. Also, kinship care providers may take classes to become regular foster care parents by going through the process outlined by the agency/state.

Question: Foster - adoption, advice and help.? My soon to be husband and i have been told, we might not be able to concieve. So our next thought was, adoption. Only we hoped to foster a baby and later adopt as our own. I have a friend that had done the same process and is a BIG advocate. We don't have a lot of money, yet we aren't poor. Comfortable. But , one thing i do know is we have love, and lots to give. Any advice on - How to, How it goes, The process and the out come, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Please only serious awnsers...

Answer: I'm thinking the process probably varies widely state by state. In our state, it's free, and income doesn't matter as long as you can pay your bills. You can call the local DHS office and they should be able to get you started with the first round of paperwork and adoption classes. You'll need to fill out a lot of paperwork, tell your life story, and the story of your marriage/family. You'll have a homestudy after that. Once the homestudy is completed, you can start submitting it for the available children. The length of the wait will depend on many, many things. We've been waiting since October of '06, and just got word that we might finally be going to committee. I've heard the wait can be as short as 8 months after approval. I'd say that, altogether, the process was very simple. It's also very, very in-depth, and it is a great time for soul-searching. I'd recommend reading a LOT about adoption from the adoptee's perspective - it can really help to get your bearings and know what your children will be going through. I'm sure you're also well aware that you'll need to research things like RAD and FASD, abuse, etc. and decide what you are able and willing to deal with in your family. Some books I'd recommend are "Twenty things adopted kids wish their adoptive parents knew", and "Helping children cope with separation and loss". I can't tell you much about the outcome (yet), but I came about foster/adoption the same way you did. I have a friend who has adopted five children from the special needs program in our state, and it has been a wonderful experience for her and her family. There have been MANY pitfalls, though, too. I have learned a lot from her, and hope to always keep her experiences in mind while we are raising our child(ren). Good luck to you! Feel free to email me if you want.

Question: Foster adoption VS insemination? What do you think is best and why? How much does insemination cost?

Answer: You obviously want to be a mother but the 'usual' way is not working out so you are wondering about options. I've been there... and I absolutely love the way our family has turned out. We have adopted an older child who was in a foster group home.... who is now 16. I know to many that sounds scarry but let me tell you about it. We knew what we were getting. No surprises of metal disorders or birth defects or crack addiction. She wanted us as much as we wanted her... it was instant bonding. We did not have to worry about if she had not been held as an infant or abused and lost the ability to bond. Some people told me we would not get to be parents long enough... but kids do not vanish on their 18th birthday. She will still need a family to come home to from college. A mother to talk to about dates and a daddy to give her away when she marries... and of course grand parents to spoil her future children. I was told i'd miss out on the first smile, word and step. Yep I did. i also missed out staying awake all night with collic, smelly diapers and the coloring of my walls with markers. We did get the first homecoming game, the first day she got her permit (licenses soon), the first day she rode a horse, the first time she saw professional ballet, the first time she went away to summer camp and her first dinner date will be next week. I can not imagine my life with out her and would not change a thing... not even if I could have my own child. GOod luck and I hope you find the right solution for your family, but I bet there is not really a wrong one

Question: What do foster/adoption classes entail? They are called IMPACT classes here in GA? Hi! Does anyone have any information on what the foster/adoption classes consist of? We have already finished our home evaluation and all we have left are the classes. We are actually doing this for 3 little boys who have been in the system for a year now. If the parents rights are ultimately terminated, we will adopt these boys. They are doing the classes in our home for 2 days next week in our home rather than spread out over 10 weeks. I imagine it will be roughly the same, so any information about how to prepare and what the classes will be about will be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer: They are usually about being a better parent and issues specific to fostering: Parenting classes - Classes over how to be a better parent. For example, "behavior modification" (ignore and redirect poor/bad behavior and reward good/positive ones). Medical Issues - First Aid, CPR, infant/child CPR, and information on different types of medications. You will also be told the rules for medical treatment and medication administration within a foster home. For example, you will have to document every medication given, including dosage, when given, and who by. Legal Issues - What you can and cannot do when a foster family. What forms you have to keep current for each child. What you are and are not allowed to do (for example, under what conditions can your restrain the child). The Adoption Process - What to expect from the courts and CPS. What rights you have. Etc.

Question: What do you know about foster-adoption in your state/country? How does it work in your state or country? Do you support adoption for children currently in foster care? If so, under what circumstances. If not, what do you believe is a better solution? Approximately 80% of the children in foster care have a parent with a serious drug problem. Sadly, children are not removed from neglectful or abusive situations until a parent is arrested. Parents are provided with a minimum of 18 months of family reunificatioon services, which can include rehab services, parenting classes, public assistance, etc. Sometimes the services are extended to 2 or 2 & 1/2 years. In some cases, the children remain with their parents while the family receives services. If parents failed to complete the family reunification plan, the children remain in foster care. In some cases, parental rights are terminated, allowing the children to be adopted if/when adoptive parents are available. Efforts are made to keep siblings together. I support foster-adoption. Thanks, Dannigrrl8, for providing a more complete explanation of CWS in California. In my county, family reunification services are sometimes extended beyond 18 months if parents are making progress. And yes, a child can not be removed from their home unless there's evidence that will 'hold up' in court. I wasn't clear & I appreciate you clarifying that aspect. Some case files I've reviewed document calls to CWS for over 2 years from various sources. Yet the children aren't (& often can't be) removed until a parent goes to jail. I greatly appreciate the job case workers do and all they contribute to the neglected or abused children in CA! I doubt I could do your job day in & day out.

Answer: Yes I support adoption for children in foster care if it is in the best interest of the child. Every case is different and thorough assessments should be made before a final decision is made. I also believe that if the child is old enough to make a decision about adoption then they should be able to do so. In Ca parents have a MAXIMUM of 18 months to reunify. Parents are given an option of 6, 12, or 18 months depending on the age of the child(ren) and progress of the parent. If the time has reached 18 months and the parents have not demostrated the ability to reunify with their child(ren) then an alternative plan is made i.e. long term foster care, relative placement, or adoption. Every family situation, abuse situation, and child is different and it is a case by case basis. Our state's child welfare system is constantly going through reform by attempting to instill Best Practices, Evidence-Based Practice, and hiring social workers with college education and training. Also the counties are consistently going through case reviews and evaluations on practices. There are many good social workers who work with the best interest of the family, foster parents, and children; but unfortunately there are the few bad social workers who abuse their power and authority over families for whatever unknown reason that drives that behavior. Also, when you say that children are not removed from neglectful and abusive situations until a parent is arrested may be inconsistent. In my county, as well as many others, the social worker does not have the authority to detain a child-only law enforcement does. Also if you detain a child and don't have enough evidence to prove in court that you had a reason to detain then it might not hold up in court-even if you know you are 100% sure the abuse is occurring.