Got a phone call from the regional director of DHS today we know each other by name due to dealings 4 years ago and me dragging his arse through 5 levels of government and other agencies.....
That was nice of him....he made sure it wasn't just an unannounced knock on the door. This household is fragile and he knows it.
Application is in with the family court to remove their fathers visitation the court called them in to do a family risk assessment mind you didnt find out from my lawyer til after the fact that it was a required process of the application.
A heads up on that would have been nice. The first round with them was 2 years and not just a little traumatic for all of us. Even if I did kick their arses.
So far breakdowns averted thanks to his phone call, new workers but it seems he briefed them well. AND they actually understand the sensitivity of the situation.
Speaking directly with the kids will be last resort they are going to tread lightly and survey all the professionals who handle their cases.....particularly as they have more of the girls trust than 2 DHS workers would ever acheive even given 3 years to work on it due to their first gate crash and the impact.
I'm shattered the 1 hour meeting was exhausting and I think it's triggered me but I was so physically exhausted before they even got here the only solution has been sleep.....for 2 hour stints at a time....between stints right now....
Need to switch off....im an old hand at this takes time will be a week or more but fresh hints and tips even reminders always welcome....
3 Replies
Maybe it's because I have never been involved in DHS or any of the above, but I have read your question three times thinking maybe I was missing things, because I don't understand or can make any sense of your question.. I hope everything works out for you though.x
Its basically just a family assessment for the family court.
I didnt know DHS did them in this state. In our previous state they were done by counsellors employed by the court.
It is being done to determine the level of risk because the application Included statements of risk because their father is a convicted sex offender...
It's just process but knowing it was coming rather than a phone call out of the blue from a man who swore he never wanted to darken my door or put us through any more ever again was quite a shock to the system.
Its just stressful is all and if they aren't careful they could undo all the work we have done getting the kids back on their feet over the last 18 months.
I'd been focusing on putting everything out of mind until the actual hearings were up.....but at very short notice I basically had to retell the last 10 years yet again. Its triggered my PTSD.
This is just the start of it and iv already been slammed a double whammy by yesterday and the process of doing the affadavit for the application.
Self awareness & self talk brave mummy!!
You've done a amazing job supporting the children through this ordeal.. They are strong and can handle more then your giving them credit for because they've seen you handle it, be aware of of your triggers surfacing but try and o lessen the degree of effect, do what ever works for you.. excise will releas the triggers both mentally and physically & may even allow you a restful sleep, you've got this muma you've been through it b4 you can smash through it again xx