Big Brother's letter to DHS

Ms xxxx

My name is xxx xxx. My x year old sister is in foster care. I have been trying since early December to get sibling visits set up so that xxxxx can see her older sisters and older brothers. I have emailed (foster care worker) several times and now her supervisor a few times with no response from either. I am shocked that two professionals would just completely disregard emails from a concerned brother of a little girl that they are working with. Caseworker actually forwarded my email to DHS attorney who said she would not be responding to me because I am not "a party in this case". I believe that I deserve at the very least a response to explain why sibling visits might not be allowed or accommodated.  I just want to understand what harm it poses to (my sister). I believe it would be very beneficial seeing as though she was pulled out of her home, school, and extra curricular activities. She should have one thing that can serve as a comfort for her.

Although I am not a minor, I was a minor living at home when (little sister) was born. I've been in college for the past x years coming home every other weekend and every  school break possible. I am very close to (sister) she is my Godchild and baby sister. It has been very difficult that I have not been able to have contact with her.

Thankfully, Judge XXXXXX  brought up and allowed a two-hour supervised holiday visit for (little sister) to see her grandma, siblings, and nieces & nephews. I could not believe the extent that (care worker and supervisor) were willing to go to argue with the judge against allowing a x-year-old little girl to see her family for Christmas. I asked (caseworker) about the possibility of a holiday visit prior to court when she was at my home visiting my sister, (a minor), and she said "there will be other Christmases" and I could write (my little sister) a note. As if a note could replace a holiday celebration with family. She was very insensitive and cold.

We had our Christmas visit on Dec. 27th and it was wonderful! It was really great to see (my baby sis) give her a hug, and tell her that I love her and miss her very much.

I am begging you to consider allowing (my sister) additional visits with her siblings. We will go wherever, whenever, and follow any rules put in place by DHS. We also understand that any visits would be supervised by DHS. I firmly believe sibling visits would be in (my sister's) best interest. I am writing you on behalf of my 4 siblings and myself. We miss (my baby sister) dearly and I can not imagine how much she is missing us. 

I am also begging that you talk with (foster caseworker and her supervisor) about ignoring emails. I can't imagine a government office having a policy that says, "hey, if you don't feel like responding to this person or dealing with this issue.. just ignore it!". It's incredibly disappointing.

Please show me that DHS can be a resource, not a roadblock. 

I've attached a family photo from (my sister's) birthday party in August, as well as, a photo from our Christmas visit. We are a very close family and we love spending time together. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I hope to hear from you very soon.