Foster Parent Letters to the Judge
How to Write an Effective Report on Behalf of Your Foster Child
Writing a letter to the judge who oversees a foster child's case is an important aspect of foster parenting that often gets overlooked.
Foster parents play a vital role in the life of a foster child. They are the ones who are with them day in and day out, through all the ups and downs in their young lives. No one knows the foster child like his foster parents do.
Judges who preside over foster care cases often recognize this fact. This is why it is so important for foster parents to take the time to write a letter to the judge overseeing the case a few weeks prior to each court hearing.
Judges Gain Added Insight
Letters from the foster parents give the judge another set of eyes and ears. A judge only knows what is submitted to him by the attorneys and social workers assigned to the case, each having their own opinion about how the case should be handled. Be a voice for your foster child.
Pointers to Remember
Writing a letter to the judge is actually not that difficult, although it may take a few letters to really feel comfortable doing so. Just remember these pointers and you will do fine:
- Be respectful. This is not the time to air personal criticism and disagreements. Begin the letter with: To the Honorable Judge (Insert Name), and end with appreciation for his time and a sincere thank you. Use respectful language, proper grammar and punctuation. Omit foul words and slang. There is an old saying that goes: You will get more flies with honey than with vinegar. However, do refrain from insincere flatteries as well.
- Leave out the emotions. Granted, it is hard to be so close to the situation and not get emotional. After all, you have worked hard to love and nurture this child and you have invested a lot of time into his young life. However, a judge cannot make decisions based on feelings and opinions. He needs something solid. He needs facts that he can use.
- Update the judge on the child’s progress. Tell him about specific situations, first-hand accounts, not hear-say, that pertain to the case. How do the children interact with their birth parents when you are around? Have the birth parents stated something to you that you feel the judge should know? If so, quote them as exact as possible. Give an academic report and tell him how the child is doing in therapy. These things give the judge a better picture of the situation through the eyes of those experiencing it.
- Type the letter or be sure to use legible handwriting.
- Check for spelling and grammar errors. Read it aloud to yourself to make sure it makes sense. Note: due to privacy laws, it is not a good idea to have someone else proofread it, unless you are co-fostering with your spouse, and then you may have them check it over for you.
- Keep a copy for your records.
Forms for Foster Parent Use
In some cases, a specific form is provided that may, or may not, be required for you to use. Check with the agency you provide foster care services for, before you write a letter, to determine the correct procedure for handling letters to the judge.
You Are a Voice for Your Foster Child
You are in a unique position to be a voice for your foster child. You deal with his behaviors, wipe his tears, and celebrate his accomplishments. You are a professional part of the foster care team. This letter may be one of the most important things you do for him, outside of the most important thing you do for him everyday … love and nurture him.
Related Articles:
Resolutions for Foster Parents will give you even more tips for helping your foster children.
Common Foster Child Behaviors is an article about behaviors common to foster children.
