Ask Ginny

Ginny's been there and she can help!

Send her your questions (info@caseyfamilyservices.org)

About Ginny
"Hi, my name is Ginny Stephan. I'm a Casey Family Services alumnus. Let me introduce myself by telling you a bit about myself. I have been part of the Casey family for over 20 years.

"I was placed in a state foster home at the age of five. At the age of 11, after years in many foster homes, I was transferred to Casey Family Services to be placed in a permanent foster home.

"I have experienced a lot in my life including alcoholic parents and siblings, as well as a wide range of challenges such as: alcohol, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, HIV and a case of suicide. Through it all, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

"I have now graduated from college, which was one of my life-long dreams. I became a teacher and taught for five years, three in the juvenile system and two years in a private school. I am now happily married with three wonderfully healthy children. I have a new profession as a 'stay at home' mom. I have learned the importance of parenting. As the old saying goes, 'If you want to get something you have never had, you need to do something you have never done.'

"I want to give you an opportunity to ask questions that you might have difficulty asking those around you. This is for you. So if you're wondering who would answer your questions, that would be ME."

Questions and Answers

Question:
I work for a foster care agency in another state. I am looking for ideas on how to celebrate graduations from high school by foster youth. Since you were "in the system", what do you think a foster agency or foster parents could do to make this a meaningful and remembered experience?

Answer:
Graduating is a big event and accomplishment for foster children! I would consider some of the following ideas:

1. A Graduation Party at a local restaurant or hall with live music and food.
2. A barbeque at a park, lake, or beach.
3. An awards ceremony at the agency so they can be recognized in a more personal environment.

Make sure if you have any of these you allow the graduates to invite friends, family, and significant others so they feel apart of the celebration. Also give them the book by Dr. Seuss Oh The Places You Will Go. I give this book out to everyone I know that graduates.

I hope this helps!
Ginny

Question:
I live in Ohio but want to contact my three brothers and one sister in South Carolina. Just last week they were put in foster homes. All I want to do is talk to them on the phone on my birthday if they're not out by then.

Do you think they will let me do that if the phone calls are monitored? Who would I talk to, to find out?

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Answer:
I think it is a great idea to keep in touch with your brothers and sister! They need you right now more than ever!

Your brothers and sister were placed in a foster home by a social worker. You need to find out who their social worker is (through your parents or the Division of Family Services) and contact the social worker. Let the social worker know that you would like to be able to phone your brothers and sister. The social worker will help you get in contact with them.

I hope this helps and good luck!
Ginny