Hello Amy –
I just wanted to take this opportunity to say “thank you” for all the work you put into FGDM for our county. I have participated in several FGDM sessions over the past few years and I find each one to be an eye opening experience. I also want to recognize our successful FGDM meetings –
The first one was with a father who was working on getting his young daughter back. This case was on the verge of TPR and adoption but this father was able to identify a strong support system for himself and his daughter. The outcome of the FGDM allowed the child to be reunited with her father and the case was successfully closed. I am happy to say that the father and child are still doing remarkably well and still have their support system in place.
The next one that was very successful was for another young child who was reunited with her parents – both of whom are living separate lives. The FGDM meeting was held for the father and his support system. Not only did it help to strengthen their support, it also allowed for the family to recognize that the mother has also made significant strides and had a strong support system of her own. This case has also been closed and all are doing very well.
The last one I want to give “kudos” for is for a teenage boy who was looking at remaining in foster care and then aging out of the system. It was felt that the family was not able or willing to have him return home and the goal was actually changed to another planned living arrangement. At the FGDM meeting, the family was able to develop a plan to work not only towards getting their son home, but also on strengthening the relationship amongst the other two boys in the home with the entire family. Based on the families’ willingness to follow the plan they developed, the youth was able to return home and has remained there. He will be attending college in the fall and things are going well with the entire family. This case has also been closed.
I am very satisfied with the outcome of FGDM and feel that your role plays a very important part in these positive outcomes. I look forward to continuing to work with you to successfully reunite families.
Michele Haydt
Program Manager II, Permanency Services
Monroe County Children & Youth Services
Thank you Michelle for recognizing the hard work our staff provides. We appreciate and value the “Whatever it takes” approach that Amy takes with every case that she engages with!