(Posted 2023 June)
For some people, the idea of unexpectedly taking responsibility for raising two young children might be intimidating. Despite his age and the financial impact, Mr. Williams* never hesitated to take on the role of first-time parent.
About a year ago, Williams received a life-altering call from his nephew. He explained that his children had been separated from their mother and placed in foster care. William’s nephew was not in a situation to care for them himself due to some personal struggles. A family member was needed to step up and offer to be a kinship care foster placement.
Williams said, “My nephew never asks for anything so when he asked for my help, I absolutely wanted to do everything I could. He and his kids are family. I will always help.”
Becoming a Kinship Care Foster Parent
Staff in the Foster Care and Adoption Resource & Support Unit worked with Williams to complete his home study. According to Kristina Jordan, the social services specialist assigned this case, “Mr. Williams was wonderful to work with from the start. He got everything done for the home study so quickly and just dropped everything in his life to take care of his great niece and nephew.”
According to Williams, the children transitioned into his home extremely well. He said, “It seemed like a natural transition from their previous foster home and the fact that the kids seemed comfortable here from the start was so awesome! The kids are so awesome, and I really have enjoyed the time I have gotten with them.”
Williams made it clear to the children from the beginning the importance he placed on listening. He established a schedule and routine with the kids to help them have the security of knowing what to expect and to help them be comfortable with asking him when they are unsure what’s happening.
Bridging the Gap
Williams has had a lot of help throughout this process and said that he could not have taken this on without the support from Jordan and others at the Department of Family Services, his mother, and the kids’ maternal side of the family. Despite his frustration with the children’s mother, he realized it was best for the kids’ sense of normalcy to keep them connected with their maternal relatives.
Not only has Williams been a blessing to his great niece and nephew, but this situation has allowed him to pour into his nephew, the children’s father, as well.
He’s been able to help get his nephew on a better track, including helping him find a full-time job. Williams has also helped with supervising his nephew’s visitation with the kids in his home. Williams said, “It’s been really great to watch my nephew’s relationship with his kids grow.”
Being a Difference Maker
Jordan said, “You will always have certain cases that you will always remember. The Williams family will be one of those for me. He’s very rational and is solution and future focused. He always wants to do what is best for the children and assist in any way that he can. He does a fantastic job bridging the gap.”
Jordan continued, “You can tell the children love him and that he loves the children. Mr. Williams is so gentle yet firm (when needed) and the kids respond so well to him. The children have thrived since being with Mr. Williams and he’s done such an amazing job bridging the gap. He has made this whole process look easy and has made the kids and getting his nephew on a better path his main priority. He has been such a positive person in their lives. I truly think that the time the kids have spent with Mr. Williams will be something the kids will look back on as a positive memory. “
Williams simply said, “Supporting family has always been important to me. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!”
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
Provided by the Resource and Support Unit
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
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