I met with the girl for the first time.  She is very sweet and laid-back.  And very mature.  We were unable to meet with the mother.

My biggest surprise on this first visit was how forward the director was in questioning the child.  She explained to me later that it was because the girl was already aware of most of the situation, and because of how mature she is.  Had she not known details, she would not have been questioned about it.

I found some of what the girl said to be extremely revealing.  Both good and bad.  And interestingly enough, when we talked seperately to the foster mother-who explained to us a different side about the girl-the overall picture became pretty clear.  At this point, I could assume about how this mother and daughter are living, but assumptions won’t work for court.  I will be meeting often with the girl, building a trusting relationship and hopefully letting her know that she can trust me enough to open up more if she’d like.

Currently, we’re trying to gather more information from the mother and about the child.  And we’re working on finding some family that the child could stay with.  Unfortunately, the mother is being either intentionally or unintentionally evasive with us.  I assume we will meet with her for the first time in court later this week.  Hopefully she will take some time to talk with us, or at least schedule a meeting.

I will be updating again after court.