Ten year-old girl in foster care wants to reconnect with little brother

Dear Jack,

My name is Sherry and I’m 10 years old.  I’m living in a foster home because my step-dad did something to me that was not okay.  The problem I’m having is my little brother, who is 7, is still living with my mom and she won’t let me see him.  She thinks it was my fault that my step-dad touched my body in inappropriate ways.  She’s mad at me and does not want my little brother to see or even speak to me.  What can I do?  I’ve been the one who has taken care of him most of his life.  Mom has either been working or been out with friends partying while he was growing up.  He needs me and I need him.  Please help.

Sherry

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Dear Sherry,

 

I’m sorry to hear all the problems that have been happening to you and your brother.  I’m not sure I can help, but I’ll try.  Since you are in foster care, you must have a Department of Human Services (DHS) case worker.  I would talk to him, or her, about wanting to see your brother and how that can be arranged.  Even if your mom is angry and does not want you to see him, it’s important for both of you to remain connected. 

DHS wants families to be healthy and stay connected, so they work at providing whatever the family needs.  Call your case worker today, or have your foster parent do it for you with a request to see your brother.  It might start out with phone calls; then supervised visits, hopefully, leading to times you can spend together doing some fun things.  It may take some time, but try to be patient and not give up hope.  The most important thing to remember is YOU DID NOTHING WRONG!  

If you want, you can always call my mom, Toni, at the Advocacy Center and talk to her. Her phone number is: (541) 734-5437 X107. She may have some other ideas for you.  Good luck and don’t give up.

 

Jack