Laws of Matriarch

Letter from a Grandmother - April 20, 2016 I want to share an update on my journey to bring my grandson Angel home from Ministry custody. He is now 10 months old, and every day away from him feels like an eternity. I’ve attached a letter I wrote to Westcoast Leaf, UBCIC, and Jody Raybould Wilson, hoping my experience can help other grandparents who find themselves in similar situations. Since reaching out to these community organizations, I’ve noticed some positive movement in my case. It’s a reminder that when we share our stories, we can spark change—not just for ourselves, but for others too. Recently, my home study was approved, even though I didn't have all the baby items required beforehand. I was able to pick up a small first aid kit and two gates just a few days after receiving that approval. I’ve attached the email confirming the home study approval for your reference. Today, I received a court application from VACFSS to have Angel placed in my custody under section 41(1)...

Update: A Letter to Anyone Listening My grandson is almost 10 months old, and I find myself filled with sadness and frustration as I navigate this challenging journey.  I’ve found two daycares for him, but I’ve lost both spots. It feels like I’m running in circles, trying to secure a future for him. I still haven’t been served papers to go to court for a temporary custody order, which leaves me in limbo. I can’t get daycare covered until I have my grandson in my care, but I can’t hold a daycare spot without him. It feels like a cruel game of “catch-22.” I can’t take maternity leave because I’m neither a parent nor a foster parent in the eyes of the system. I work full time, but I’m worried about losing my job if I take an unpaid leave. The fear of becoming homeless looms over me if I step back from work.  The process with VACFSS has become so burdensome, and I’m left feeling trapped in a precarious position as a low-income single parent. My file has been frozen since the last ...