Is the summer slipping away or is it just me? I can't believe that the Fourth of July is upon us. It seems like the kids just got out of school. I love the Fourth of July. I love Summer weather. I love BBQ's. I love getting together with friends, family and neighbors. I'm also a bit patriotic. Fireworks are also just amazing to watch; I still ooh and ah. However, not everyone may ooh and ah this year if you have newly placed foster or adopted children in your family. Family get-togethers may be a bit much for some kids and the fireworks are a bit loud. It may be in your child's and your family's favor to prepare your new brood before setting out this Fourth.

Team meetings are very informative and a good time to learn the goals of your foster child's case. Team meetings will also give foster parents and all others involved on the team a chance to learn what different issues the family needs to work on and when reunification will occur, if possible. Educational needs will also be a hot topic, which is great since school will start soon, it's best to try to get any services in place as soon as the bell rings on day one. Visitation schedules for parents and other family members are also planned at team meetings.

As a foster parent this all can be very overwhelming - especially if you're a new foster parent. Going into the meeting prepared and ready to work as a team with the social workers on the case is an important first step in fighting a big case of nerves.

Since each state is so different, what do you bring to your team meetings?
How often do you have them? We have them every 6 months in my area of KS.
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you during a meeting?

Let's share some stories. Click "comment" below.