It can be difficult for children placed in foster to trust their case planner, but Bailie Murty made it look easy while working with six-year-old Liam*. Liam had been waiting to be adopted for years and had already worked with several other case planners during that time. He was reserved when Bailie first took over his case. Bailie knew that it was important to connect with him.
“My favorite moments day-to-day are definitely when I am doing things like blasting Disney music and singing in the car, laughing about something funny that happened at school, or seeing their eyes light up when they talk about whatever makes them happy,” said Bailie.
On one of her first visits to Liam’s home, Bailie noticed that he had a trampoline. She asked if he wanted to jump on it with her, and he excitedly agreed. Bailie was amazed to see how the usually quiet young boy turned into a silly acrobat before her eyes. During each one of their visits, Liam asked Bailie if she wanted to go on the trampoline again. Playing on the trampoline became such an expected part of their time together.
“My favorite part of my job is being able to connect with the kids,” said Bailie “Being able to take a couple minutes to just be present with the kids and let them know that you are there for them makes such a difference.”
“Bailie makes it look easy,” added Morgan Schumacher, Program Manager of Foster Care and Adoption. “She makes sure that each child she works with feels comfortable, supported, and heard while using her spirit to build rapport and create an individualized relationship – which can include jumping on a trampoline.”
Liam’s adoption day finally came. It was Bailie’s first adoption; she later acknowledged that she wasn’t sure what to expect or how she would feel. After the papers were signed and photos had been taken, Liam approached Bailie. He asked, “Does this mean you won’t be coming over to jump on the trampoline anymore?”
It was a bittersweet moment for Bailie. She gave Liam a big hug and reminded him of the fun times they had. She explained that while she was sad they would not be going on the trampoline together anymore, she was overjoyed to know that Liam would be with his loving family.
This National Adoption Month, Child & Family Services would like to thank all of our case planners who, like Bailie, are always there for the children in their care.