"I was doing a screening for 5-6 months old twins, a boy and a girl. When I called, Foster Grandma asked if I could call back in 5 min. I called back in 8 min and GM suggested that maybe we should do the assessment on another day because she couldn't get the twin's 3 and 6yr old sister out of the room. I told her not to worry, we would do an assessment for everybody (it was my last one of the day). I told her that the twins would need to be apart and asked to do the activities first, then the siblings could answer the questions; the 6yr old was extremely excited. It was a BUSY assessment, but everyone had fun and everything went well. Foster Grandma's sister came and was present for the last bit. I sensed Foster Grandma's overwhelmedness, so I asked if her sister could watch the kids for 10-15 while we finished the SE in another room. GM said yes, and began to tell me how overwhelmed she is and thanked me for showing her how to be inclusive. GM talked about how the children are acting out in different ways and have been exhibiting defiance to her rules. I explained to her that it was not personal and that they are trying to figure their emotions out in this new setting while carrying trauma. I told her not to put too much pressure on herself to provide a 'perfect' home and just continue to set limits and boundaries, make sure their needs are met, and just give the children LOVE. I let her know that she was doing a great job and that I would be sending out referrals for emotional support for the twins and parenting classes for her. I gave her advice, activities and positive reinforcement. She was tearing up, saying that she needed to hear my words and thanked me for providing guidance and just being there to listen. It was a good day for both households."—

Jeramy Dominguez