We have a visit to exchange Christmas gifts on Jan. 4th. Mother had been busy working during the holidays. Visit is warm and loving. Mother notes that they are moving at the end of the month because they will be evicted from their home. Cookie’s maternal grandmother will return to her home state (over 1,000 miles away) and Cookie and her mother will move to a sister’s house in another state (about 1,500 miles away--they will drive). She notes that Cookie’s father has said that if they are living closer to the US-Mexican border, it will be easier for him to “send for them”. She adds that she will live with her sister. Further discussion about this living arrangement uncovers that the sister is mentally unstable; but the mother asserts that it will be fine. When questioned about her insistence on going to live with this sister, the mother notes that she doesn’t really know this sister very well because she didn’t grow up with her and it will be a good bonding experience. Mother also notes that her own former foster parents are nearby so she has people in the area to socialize with.

I contact the covering CPS caseworker to ensure she knows about the move. I don’t get a return call.

Jan. 26, 2009: Cookie and her mother come for dinner. We use the computer to gauge the amount of time it will take them to drive to the new residence and discuss the trip. It’s a very happy visit. Mother plans to leave on the 28th.