On October 3rd, the redhead and I got new additions to our household. We took in a brother & sister, ages 13 & 6, on a "legal risk" foster placement. "Legal risk" means that CPS is actively trying to terminate the biological parents rights so that the kids can be adopted. It also means that we can't publicly post photos or names of the kids until the adoption is final.

I've seen more of the CPS system than I ever really cared to see, and have seen many problems within that agency. Some of the problems are, in my opinion, self-perpetuating. Some of the problems come from being so overly cautious that caseworkers would rather leaves kids in a group home setting rather than place them with adoptive parents. And the overly cautious comes from some of the horror stories that are the reason CPS exists in the first place. Have seen examples of CPS workers who are themselves child predators (there was a CPS employee in Ft Worth convicted within the last couple of years on this). Have also read through case files on children who have experienced things that no human being should have to endure. Despite all this, I've also seen some very dedicated CPS workers who go above and beyond the call of duty because truly do care about the kids in their charge.

In the meantime, these two particular kids now have a safe home, albeit one with rules that they're getting used to. They're going to have a solid foundation for a good life, and have an education far above & beyond what is available through public schools. I foresee a lot of fishing in years to come. My neighbor has already offered to take me and the boy ... no, wait - my SON!! - out fishing on his boat anytime we want to go. If y'all happen to see me in public, you'll know it's me cause you'll hear me saying "we're not buying that" over and over and over and over ... we've already gotten used to saying "no" to lots of things on a very regular basis.

You are a very good person for doing this! God bless you,your wife,and the two children you took in. I will also pray for the parents of those two children. Great post and thanks for sharing.

We're actually planning a wedding for next spring ... I'm trying to talk her into May 4th so it can be Star Wars themed ...

You have a great future bride!

This is what life is all about!
There are changes always around the corner and love wins out!
Congratulations on your new family, and may you have many years of happiness for you all!

WOW...Makes my heart warm.

Best of luck good sir. I hope your story has one heck of a happy ending for all involved!

May God Bless you and your family.

Congratulations to you both on the newest additions. Danged glasses, just fogged up some.........

Good on you Sir. When you want to bring him to squaw let me know and we will beat on some fish. I like to hear things like this.

Congrats and good luck!

Great work! God Bless You.

Good luck on this journey. I've watched enough Long Lost Family to have a deep appreciation for adoptive parents.

A few questions I am curious about: If you have not had a wedding, is it safe to assume you are not legally married? My wife and I looked into adoption briefly at one point. I got the feeling that not being legally married put you way down on the "list" to adopt. How did that impact your situation?

How long had you been looking into this? How long from the time you got "the call" to pick up or fostering?