[Grady Clay]

Steve,

Yes, I foster parented others and was a “Big Brother” to many. I encourage all on the Forum who are starting out in your career to do this. You can think of it as parenting without the permanence. Many do this after their natural children are adults and before grandchildren. All is very satisfying.

There are no legal obligations. You will find some obligations transcend “legal.”


Sometime just before he turned 18 (and the State considered him an “adult”) he went off on his own. A sad fact of our system. My two adopted kids were (are) dramatically different in their transition to “adult” now at 21 and 31.

In this situation “obligation” isn’t something legislated. Yes it is “sad and confusing.” I intend to bring some happiness and, most important, clarity and organization to the situation. In my opinion these circumstances need someone to become an overseer to bring the situation back to manageable.

I know it won’t be perfect.
I know it won’t be easy.
I know it needs to be done.
If not me, who?

Jim, there were significant issues prior to my meeting him at age 12. Some will probably always be there. The goal is to make the best of a less-than-perfect situation. Like most of life.


The Forum can help me with ideas and critique. I thank you all.

Best,
Grady