Meet 7 year old Arthur! He was a little shy and quiet at first when we spent time together in November, but quickly warmed up. He did amazingly well on all of our tasks - he even did some of the harder cognitive games we usually play with the kids closer to 10 years old! His foster mother described him as gentle and considerate. He will often help her with chores, even though it’s not his favorite activity.

But what about the children?

Tonight after laying my little ones down for bed I scrolled Facebook and found the news story that I’ve been anticipating. Child Abuse Numbers are Skyrocketing.

SuperKids has taken numerous trips to China and Taiwan to visit and provide assessments to potential families wanting to learn more about a waiting child.  It was nearly 4 years ago when we last saw Jack, but we have never forgotten him.  10 year old Jack has been a favorite among many of our professional volunteers and caseworkers at Gladney.... but yet he still waits.

We have Jack described as smart, vibrant and energetic.  He likes to talk with people and when he is happy, he talks with his friends and is very excitable.  He has a good relationship with his peers in the classroom and orphanage setting.  He is liked by all.

I don’t know about you but I am parenting a “feeler”. What I mean by this is that he is keenly aware of any change in routine, behavior, and feeds off it. Meaning it is my job to be his internal regulator by calming my own chaos. Through our families' decision to practice social distancing and being aware about COVID-19, I have had to practice my own internal regulation in order to be able to guide my child through this time. When he asks big questions like “why can’t I go to school, play at the park, or see grandpa”. I have found pause with how to answer him.

As a birth parent caseworker in Houston, I am used to meeting with my expectant mothers face to face in their homes or in a public place where we can plan their adoptions.  However, COVID-19 came to town and abruptly halted our way of meeting. How do I provide the services and the attention that my clients need at this time of crisis in the community (and the world!)?

As you may know, the Gladney Home is housing teenage girls currently in foster care. Like most, we are now on an extended spring break and practicing social distancing. This can be challenging, not only with little kids at home, but older kids as well. To avoid the lure of constant Netflix, iPhones, and screen time, here are some things that we have been doing to break up the day and keep everyone entertained.

Jackie’s file was initially prepared in August 2017. Jackie is an observant child. After adjustment in her environment, she was more active, completed tasks quickly and her work was the top in her class.

I don’t know about you but last week was full of meltdowns for my toddler. He feels confused that his routine is off, he isn’t going to school, and let’s be real, he is probably confused why I’m cooking food instead of going to a restaurant. Our first day of working from home was a bit of a free for all because we don’t even have structure yet as we adapt to the new normal of mom and dad both working from home with both boys.

What a whirlwind of a week! Last Friday seems like a lifetime ago—so much has changed, and the amount of uncertainty and uneasiness is amplified times a thousand.  On Monday, Gladney made the decision to close its campus to outside visitors for the immediate future due to the COVID-19 virus.  Outside events on our campus were cancelled or postponed, and only essential personnel or vendors are currently allowed on campus to ensure the safety of our community.  If able, employees are to work from home.  Our CEO, Mark Melson, shared a video encouraging us that although things will look very different for the time being, business as usual will try to continue as much as possible.

It seems we have been bombarded with unsettling news for weeks.  And depending on your personality, social distancing could be your worst nightmare or your dream come true (under different circumstances).  For me, it's a little of both.  I have enjoyed some special blessings during this time.  For example, my daughter who is a college student several hundred miles away has been home.  Our whole family has enjoyed being together and playing domino games late into the night.  We have had dance parties and cooking contests and we have had some quiet moments too, like cuddling and watching movies.  There has been some blessings in all this chaos.