Trial placement?

Mrs.Umm

We got a call from the SW today about one of the two potentiL matches the county had called us about. It's a 10 year old boy, and they're deciding between us an one other family. She told us they want to do a "trial" placement for a weekend at each home and then make their final decision. Is it just me, or is this really strange?

Cissi64

I have heard of legally free foster children "visiting" potential adoptive parents for weekends, weeks in the summer, etc to see if they get along.  Sometimes a child that looks good on paper isn't a fit for your family and it is better to find that out before you tell them you want to adopt them.  What I find strange is that they are doing this with two families at the same time.

lilmufish

I rarely see that with younger children, but I'm seeing it more often with older children - with the excuse of respite so that the child doesn't sabotage the placement.

wille2b

we have had it with several of our foster placements. i think they are trying to reduce bouncing the kid around if the situation doesnt work out.

Hope2Have

I think it's a great idea to prevent them being moved about more than absolutely necessary! Best of luck!!!

butterflygrooves

We did something similar with Iz and we called it "dating".  We started with a daytime visit outside of our homes, then one or two overnights, then weekends, then a full week before she finally moved in.  It was nice but not enough time to really get to know each other, just a good start.

I've never heard of it being done with two families, it's a good idea though.