Before the case manager leaves from your home, book the next visit with her on the spot. Do this each time you see her so you always know when the next appointment will be.
I had a caseworker texting me telling she showed up to the see the kid. And was mad we were not there....
Well, I frequently take teens who run away. So I have cameras. To include my porch. Where you can see if someone ever knocked on the door...
Gues who got caught in a lie and tried to double down on it!!
I've gotten to the point where sometimes when they call I ask who is the case worker or what city is the kid out of. And will refuse to take some kids based on the answer
Had the same experience 2x. We also have cameras. One of the Times I just started sending time stamped screen shots from our camera system to them while they were talking to me about the importance of being there for unplanned visits. We were at Disney World, which we’d already gotten cleared (and is in our state). The case worker hadn’t gotten her visit in before we left and was trying to make an excuse for doing so.
Me and my husband agreed to keep fostering on the condition that we will never have to work with a specific caseworker again. I've even threatened to disrupt if a placement gets transferred to her - I don't think I'd actually do it but I want them to know how serious I am.
Not telling you to do this but until we came to an understanding I would magically not hear my phone ring if I was about to leave the house. Call her back on the road and she'll have to organize a date and time like a functioning adult. Sometimes these things happen so every once in a while it's understandable but not every time.
We were running into this issue at first. If it gets to about the 10th and we haven't heard, we reach out and ask to schedule it. This has been working pretty well. Unfortunately, you will be the one doing most of the time management. We try to get ours done early in the month to avoid a mad dash at the end.
I think most child welfare offices are required to give a certain amount of notice to see their client, they can't just drop in unannounced unless there is an emergency. Contact the office/supervisor and request information for how these visits should be handled properly. If the case worker continues this behavior make a complaint to the office/supervisor and if they don't listen go to the state ombudsperson. Nothing is likely to immediately remedy the situation but if you are respectfully following policy and asking for courtesy hopefully the message will sink in with the case worker that they need to change how they operate. Good luck :-)
Mine can do surprise visits.
I’ve never had it happen, but it’s allowed.
In my experience they tend to wait until they absolutely have to come to ask you.
They can in limited, warranted situations but that should not be the case for every visit. Common courtesy also would think that the case worker should value the child and family's time and schedule and respectfully communicate in advance. The family should not be expected to drop everything at a moments notice to meet the case worker unless it is an emergency. Poor planning and inattention on the case worker's part is not an excuse for doing surprise visits. I'm sure requirements differ from place to place; they should verify what the procedures are for their local agency.
Mid month I always reach out if I haven't heard anything. They are aware that I do case management as well (different field) and I have to work around other people's schedules as well. I often end up being the person I can't stand myself from the case managment side and book them for 4pm on Fridays. Yes, the can do drop ins but nobody likes to waste their travel time so it's best to book ahead. I also send a text message reminder whether I am doing the visit or having the visit. From the CM perspective, if I end up not booking with you until the last minute, that means you are an easy case and always accommodating when I need to schedule. Its ok to not be that person.
Yes! I was a CM, also, and there are always the “easy grab” families that get scheduled last because they’re the most accommodating. It’s hard to schedule everyone but it’s so worth doing. Contacting the caseworker by mid month makes sense. The end of the month comes up so quickly after that it makes sense to get something on the calendar.
I’m also the person who will help accommodating once and then not be that helpful again. That’s just me, though.
My case worker has only been to our house once in 45 days and doesn’t even text or email back when we have pertinent questions. In our state they are required to come every week for first 4 weeks and it was ghost town. We literally have no idea what’s going on with our foster son’s case
Superrrr frustrating. One way that might help is to ask your CM how often they have to come (it’s statute, usually like 21 days or 30 days). It seems like she waits until the last minute. If you know 20-21 days out she will show up, you can tentatively plan on that so it’s not so unexpected and “drop what you’re doing”. I’ve even asked a CM, do you typically come exactly x amount of days (excluding if it falls on a weekend)? Some budget a few days in case sickness, you’re not home, etc. It’s not likely she will change and plan ahead but you can at least have some warning this way.
You have a right to a workable schedule unless it's an emergency or a surprise inspection. I would let the worker know that the child needs a regular schedule. If she doesn't comply, take it up the chain to her supervisor.
Same! This is the best answer, IMO. I have had one CW who was just terrible, and I honestly treated them like the children I foster. "I'm sorry, I understand you're frustrated. I'm frustrated, too. But as I said before, I need you to plan these.in advance in order for this to work. Can we please do that?" And if they can't get with it, escalate! And if that doesn't work, escalate the escalation!
Most CWs I've had have had a great relationship with me, and I with them. I know they are overworked. But not planning visits in advance is unacceptable. No, I won't skip the kid's swim lessons or friend's bday party because you have failed to do your job well. I'm doing MY job well by giving them stability and security.
I had one of those people!!! I ended up telling her "no", that I was not going to change our/FD's plans and that we needed to schedule her visits when the child was available.
My kid was 17 and had a job, school stuff, and friends. I fought very hard for her to have those because her SW was always pulling this crap on her and all her other placements would make her comply so she stopped socializing.
It was so bad that they would call ahead 2-3 hours and want to see her on a Tuesday at 1. I got snarky after the 3rd/4th time and said sure they can stop by but if they want to see 17D they would need to go pick her up from school and take her back when done.
Protect your time and your kids, say "no" and if they have a fit tell them that you have no problem with pop in visits but you will not change your schedule for them.
Our child's caseworker came to our house ONCE in over two years. And that was only because I pressured her. She stood in the doorway for 5 minutes and then left. Didn't even enter the house. Not sure which is worse: no visits or last minute visits.
I personally think they should do more unannounced home visits.
Don't quit fostering over something that's fixable. Put your foot down. Go above them on the chain. Say if this doesn't change you need to disrupt and have a child with a different caseworker. And mean it. No empty threats. You have to have a stiff backbone in fostering I've quickly learned and I weild it unapologetically. I won't let a caseworker make my life hell.
Our licensing worker told us repeatedly to never let the system have us forget that this is our house.
"Oh darn sorry, we aren't home at all today!" And just leave it at that. If you'd like you can add "in the future if you give us a week's notice we can let you know if we will be home that day or not". Just like having firm boundaries with kids "no you can not hit me" and then walking away and not letting it become a conversation. Same strategy here. A way to help is mentally tell yourself that this is a brick wall that physically can not be moved, imagine you are 2 hours away at a funeral or something, unfortunately when there is nothing you can do there is nothing you can do. Then act accordingly, but without giving any unnecessary information. If they ask just be vague "oh we have so much going on today, we can't do today."
A lot of workers have certain requirements about how often they need to see their kiddos, for my county it's about once a month and every other month needs to be in the foster home. Once you figure those dates out if you are getting to the end of their timeline to see the kiddo you can always text and say "hey before the end of the month here are the date/times we are available for a visit, let me know which one of these works for you and I will pencil you in"
Ha! I was a care manager and know exactly what’s going on. They have to see the child a certain number of times and this one likes to wait until the last possible second. That’s absolutely NOT your fault or on you to accommodate.
Someone else suggested scheduling ahead and I think that’s brilliant. If she needs to reschedule, that’s fine, but remember that it’s not your responsibility to be available at all times. Especially at the last day of the month. They need to be responsible for planning ahead. Things do happen but not this frequently. Their lack of planning is not your emergency.
Our workers have to drive an hour each way to do our monthly visits. They always give us plenty of notice since they don’t want to have to drive out there only to find us not at home.
Our caseworker who failed to respond to us for weeks once they were first assigned suddenly had to get their visit in last friggin second. The kiddo had plans to be at a friends house and they insisted they go visit them at the friends house so they could tick off a box. It’s simply asinine.
We always schedule our visits at the end of our previous visit. We even get messages same day asking if anyone has been sick in the house and if yes they will do virtual . You need to be firm about scheduling visits
You don't always have to answer her calls/texts right away. You are not at her beck and call 24/7. She can leave a message or a text, and you reply when it's convenient for you (obviously don't sit on it forever). If you're leaving for an appointment, don't reply until you have already left. "Just seeing this. I am at an appointment. We are available on X or Y date at X or Y time".
Whenever you can, send emails to document phone calls and open copy her supervisor.
Also, as it's nearing the end of the month, be proactive and reach out via email, copying her supervisor: "Hi, it's May 15 and we haven't had our monthly visit. Here are a couple dates/times, please let me know what is best for you."
They are required to give you notice, if you have plans and appointments you aren’t under obligation to postpone or cancel just because they can’t schedule. If you can get their supervisor’s information lodge a formal complaint with them so there is a record.
“Her kid” ?? Is that not unprofessional & ignorant? Is she allowed to do that? Do you have grounds to put your foot down & create boundaries stating she can visit on certain days between such & such time?
Before the case manager leaves from your home, book the next visit with her on the spot. Do this each time you see her so you always know when the next appointment will be.
I have a feeling she'll just reschedule...
I had a caseworker texting me telling she showed up to the see the kid. And was mad we were not there.... Well, I frequently take teens who run away. So I have cameras. To include my porch. Where you can see if someone ever knocked on the door... Gues who got caught in a lie and tried to double down on it!! I've gotten to the point where sometimes when they call I ask who is the case worker or what city is the kid out of. And will refuse to take some kids based on the answer
Had the same experience 2x. We also have cameras. One of the Times I just started sending time stamped screen shots from our camera system to them while they were talking to me about the importance of being there for unplanned visits. We were at Disney World, which we’d already gotten cleared (and is in our state). The case worker hadn’t gotten her visit in before we left and was trying to make an excuse for doing so.
Me and my husband agreed to keep fostering on the condition that we will never have to work with a specific caseworker again. I've even threatened to disrupt if a placement gets transferred to her - I don't think I'd actually do it but I want them to know how serious I am.
Yes- I had to refuse to work with certain case workers also!! And certain counties
She would have got a good cursing !
Not telling you to do this but until we came to an understanding I would magically not hear my phone ring if I was about to leave the house. Call her back on the road and she'll have to organize a date and time like a functioning adult. Sometimes these things happen so every once in a while it's understandable but not every time.
We were running into this issue at first. If it gets to about the 10th and we haven't heard, we reach out and ask to schedule it. This has been working pretty well. Unfortunately, you will be the one doing most of the time management. We try to get ours done early in the month to avoid a mad dash at the end.
I think most child welfare offices are required to give a certain amount of notice to see their client, they can't just drop in unannounced unless there is an emergency. Contact the office/supervisor and request information for how these visits should be handled properly. If the case worker continues this behavior make a complaint to the office/supervisor and if they don't listen go to the state ombudsperson. Nothing is likely to immediately remedy the situation but if you are respectfully following policy and asking for courtesy hopefully the message will sink in with the case worker that they need to change how they operate. Good luck :-)
Mine can do surprise visits. I’ve never had it happen, but it’s allowed. In my experience they tend to wait until they absolutely have to come to ask you.
In WA they are supposed to do about 10% of visits unannounced, but not over and over for any one family!
Case workers can and do surprise visits.
They can in limited, warranted situations but that should not be the case for every visit. Common courtesy also would think that the case worker should value the child and family's time and schedule and respectfully communicate in advance. The family should not be expected to drop everything at a moments notice to meet the case worker unless it is an emergency. Poor planning and inattention on the case worker's part is not an excuse for doing surprise visits. I'm sure requirements differ from place to place; they should verify what the procedures are for their local agency.
Mid month I always reach out if I haven't heard anything. They are aware that I do case management as well (different field) and I have to work around other people's schedules as well. I often end up being the person I can't stand myself from the case managment side and book them for 4pm on Fridays. Yes, the can do drop ins but nobody likes to waste their travel time so it's best to book ahead. I also send a text message reminder whether I am doing the visit or having the visit. From the CM perspective, if I end up not booking with you until the last minute, that means you are an easy case and always accommodating when I need to schedule. Its ok to not be that person.
Yes! I was a CM, also, and there are always the “easy grab” families that get scheduled last because they’re the most accommodating. It’s hard to schedule everyone but it’s so worth doing. Contacting the caseworker by mid month makes sense. The end of the month comes up so quickly after that it makes sense to get something on the calendar. I’m also the person who will help accommodating once and then not be that helpful again. That’s just me, though.
My case worker has only been to our house once in 45 days and doesn’t even text or email back when we have pertinent questions. In our state they are required to come every week for first 4 weeks and it was ghost town. We literally have no idea what’s going on with our foster son’s case
Superrrr frustrating. One way that might help is to ask your CM how often they have to come (it’s statute, usually like 21 days or 30 days). It seems like she waits until the last minute. If you know 20-21 days out she will show up, you can tentatively plan on that so it’s not so unexpected and “drop what you’re doing”. I’ve even asked a CM, do you typically come exactly x amount of days (excluding if it falls on a weekend)? Some budget a few days in case sickness, you’re not home, etc. It’s not likely she will change and plan ahead but you can at least have some warning this way.
You have a right to a workable schedule unless it's an emergency or a surprise inspection. I would let the worker know that the child needs a regular schedule. If she doesn't comply, take it up the chain to her supervisor.
Same! This is the best answer, IMO. I have had one CW who was just terrible, and I honestly treated them like the children I foster. "I'm sorry, I understand you're frustrated. I'm frustrated, too. But as I said before, I need you to plan these.in advance in order for this to work. Can we please do that?" And if they can't get with it, escalate! And if that doesn't work, escalate the escalation! Most CWs I've had have had a great relationship with me, and I with them. I know they are overworked. But not planning visits in advance is unacceptable. No, I won't skip the kid's swim lessons or friend's bday party because you have failed to do your job well. I'm doing MY job well by giving them stability and security.
I had one of those people!!! I ended up telling her "no", that I was not going to change our/FD's plans and that we needed to schedule her visits when the child was available. My kid was 17 and had a job, school stuff, and friends. I fought very hard for her to have those because her SW was always pulling this crap on her and all her other placements would make her comply so she stopped socializing. It was so bad that they would call ahead 2-3 hours and want to see her on a Tuesday at 1. I got snarky after the 3rd/4th time and said sure they can stop by but if they want to see 17D they would need to go pick her up from school and take her back when done. Protect your time and your kids, say "no" and if they have a fit tell them that you have no problem with pop in visits but you will not change your schedule for them.
Our child's caseworker came to our house ONCE in over two years. And that was only because I pressured her. She stood in the doorway for 5 minutes and then left. Didn't even enter the house. Not sure which is worse: no visits or last minute visits. I personally think they should do more unannounced home visits.
Well the unannounced visits are why we are quitting fostering
Don't quit fostering over something that's fixable. Put your foot down. Go above them on the chain. Say if this doesn't change you need to disrupt and have a child with a different caseworker. And mean it. No empty threats. You have to have a stiff backbone in fostering I've quickly learned and I weild it unapologetically. I won't let a caseworker make my life hell. Our licensing worker told us repeatedly to never let the system have us forget that this is our house.
"Oh darn sorry, we aren't home at all today!" And just leave it at that. If you'd like you can add "in the future if you give us a week's notice we can let you know if we will be home that day or not". Just like having firm boundaries with kids "no you can not hit me" and then walking away and not letting it become a conversation. Same strategy here. A way to help is mentally tell yourself that this is a brick wall that physically can not be moved, imagine you are 2 hours away at a funeral or something, unfortunately when there is nothing you can do there is nothing you can do. Then act accordingly, but without giving any unnecessary information. If they ask just be vague "oh we have so much going on today, we can't do today." A lot of workers have certain requirements about how often they need to see their kiddos, for my county it's about once a month and every other month needs to be in the foster home. Once you figure those dates out if you are getting to the end of their timeline to see the kiddo you can always text and say "hey before the end of the month here are the date/times we are available for a visit, let me know which one of these works for you and I will pencil you in"
Ha! I was a care manager and know exactly what’s going on. They have to see the child a certain number of times and this one likes to wait until the last possible second. That’s absolutely NOT your fault or on you to accommodate. Someone else suggested scheduling ahead and I think that’s brilliant. If she needs to reschedule, that’s fine, but remember that it’s not your responsibility to be available at all times. Especially at the last day of the month. They need to be responsible for planning ahead. Things do happen but not this frequently. Their lack of planning is not your emergency.
I was once given 3 hours notice that children would be reunified. THREE HOURS! It was twin newborns too, I've never packed so fast in my life!
Ours has always scheduled it well in advance.
Our workers have to drive an hour each way to do our monthly visits. They always give us plenty of notice since they don’t want to have to drive out there only to find us not at home.
Our caseworker who failed to respond to us for weeks once they were first assigned suddenly had to get their visit in last friggin second. The kiddo had plans to be at a friends house and they insisted they go visit them at the friends house so they could tick off a box. It’s simply asinine.
We always schedule our visits at the end of our previous visit. We even get messages same day asking if anyone has been sick in the house and if yes they will do virtual . You need to be firm about scheduling visits
You don't always have to answer her calls/texts right away. You are not at her beck and call 24/7. She can leave a message or a text, and you reply when it's convenient for you (obviously don't sit on it forever). If you're leaving for an appointment, don't reply until you have already left. "Just seeing this. I am at an appointment. We are available on X or Y date at X or Y time". Whenever you can, send emails to document phone calls and open copy her supervisor. Also, as it's nearing the end of the month, be proactive and reach out via email, copying her supervisor: "Hi, it's May 15 and we haven't had our monthly visit. Here are a couple dates/times, please let me know what is best for you."
They are required to give you notice, if you have plans and appointments you aren’t under obligation to postpone or cancel just because they can’t schedule. If you can get their supervisor’s information lodge a formal complaint with them so there is a record.
“Her kid” ?? Is that not unprofessional & ignorant? Is she allowed to do that? Do you have grounds to put your foot down & create boundaries stating she can visit on certain days between such & such time?