In part of this series we were learning documentation and discovering      the answer to our question; How important is it?   Missed part one? For complete understanding.....Go back to part one. 

Now let us continue with this subject; The most important thing you need to learn, is new habits. What we mean by that is never allow yourself as a foster parent to put off what you need to do today.

• Never allow yourself the privilege of putting it off, catch up on your journaling later.

The reason;  you will not do it, or you will have forgotten vital facts that could make the difference in a substantiated/unsubstantiated decision . You see, each state uses one of three terms;  the are unsubstantiated, un-indicated, or unfounded.

How; Then we need to know what is the best format to use in the [process of documentation.  This method must be one that will be acceptable in an Administrative Law courtroom  "kangaroo court". Therefore, you need to create your documentation/journal in a book that makes it obvious where any pages have been added/removed.  The ones that fits our purposes are called "composition books" available at any of the large department stores.  They are available in different colors making it possible for you to use one color for your personal journal, and another color for the children.

You need to have several of them on hand, at all times, so that you can write the child's name in it the moment your social worker informs you about the placement.  Many times the social worker will give you information about the child in the initial conversation.  Write this down on a separate sheet of paper and when you have it worded correctly; enter it into the brand new journal designated to that child.

Rules for journals;

1.  The journals retained in your possession, never allow them out of your sight.

2.  Never allow anyone to borrow, or examine your journals.  If they must have copies, ie: your attorney make copies yourself. 

3.  Write in the books the work-product rule; The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest common law privileges protecting confidential communications. If you place on the cover of each journal you are declaring that your journals are privileged communications meant only for your attorney.

• A work-product doctrine.  In American civil procedure, the work-product doctrine protects materials prepared in anticipation of litigation from discovery by opposing counsel. (1) It is also known as the work-product rule, the work-product immunity, the work-product privilege, and the work-product exception.