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Young girl's conversation with her social worker. |
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Jackie: A sixteen year old girl who has been living in foster care off and on for the past four years along with her seven year old sister, Nicole. Jackie is angry and closed off to everyone except Nicole, whom she loves deeply and protects fiercely. Jackie knows Nicole would go quickly once they are released for adoption. She’s the perfect model, the prize possession in these catalogs of kids. Their social worker, Ms. Marge said they will try their best to place them together. That means either Jackie will hold Nicole back or Jackie will end up in a family that views her as extra baggage, the thing that comes along with the beautiful child like the old tattered blanket that Nicole drags around. Currently living in Ms. Lydia’s care, the foster home is crowded and noisy. Jackie has been fighting with another sixteen year girl, Tina. She has been called into the social services office of her case worker, Ms. Marge, to discuss her future. Ms. Marge: Jackie and Nicole’s case worker. Ms. Marge is a woman in her late fifties. She has been working in child services for nearly three decades. She has an appreciation of the realities and the imperfect of the system. But she likes Jackie. She wants to see her and Nicole placed in a family that will give them the love and nurturing they deserve. If only she could help Jackie to stop fighting and start trusting. Place: Ms. Marge’s office. The scene begins with Ms. Marge seated at her desk and Jackie seated in a chair opposite her. The walls are covered with pictures of all the children Ms. Marge has been assigned to over the years. The large first floor window behind Ms. Marge frames the cities social service clients as they pass by on their way in and out of the building. It frustrates Jackie that she is one of “them”. Jackie: I don’t believe in a forever family Ms. Marge. Ms. Marge: I’m sorry you don’t Jackie, but they are out there. Ms Marge stands and walks around to the front of her desk and leans back against it. She reaches back and picks up a folder, opens it, scans its contents and looks back at Jackie. Ms. Marge: (Serious Voice) Jackie this is it. One more outburst and you and Nicole will be separated. I don’t know how to make it any clearer than that. Jackie: (Pleading, panicked tone) I know that. I haven’t done anything. I go to school and when I get out; I go straight to Lydia’s, go to my room and stay there. (Defensively) But Tina, she starts trouble. She comes looking for it. (Angry) I thought we weren’t supposed to be placed together any more. Ms. Marge: No, you weren’t. But there are not a lot of people who will take older children Jackie. We do the best we can with what we have and you have to do the same. (Pause) Ignore her, please. Pulling a sheet of paper from the folder she hands it to Jackie. Ms. Marge: This is the write up that will appear under your photo listing. Jackie takes the paper and reads. Jackie: (Mumbling, low voice) Jackie is an active, articulate adolescent, who yearns to become part of a forever family. She usually gets along well with peers and adults, and can often be heard singing as she goes about her daily activities. Jackie receives special education services to assist her with emotional and behavioral challenges and distractibility. Her favorite subjects are English Composition and Computer Education. Due to her history of abuse, loss, and multiple placements, Jackie participates in ongoing therapy, (Pause) (Sigh) where she is able to address the issues of trust, anger, and depression. Jackie has lived with her younger sister, Nicole, since her birth, and it is important that, together, they find a loving, well structured and patient family. Looking back up at Ms. Marge. Jackie: (Sarcastically) Can often be heard singing? Ms. Marge: (Shrugs) On some of my visits I’ve heard you singing while setting the dinner table. Jackie: (Rising Voice. Frustration) That’s to drown out that god-damn TV that’s always on! Jackie looks back down at the paper in her hand. Jackie: (Whisper) Sorry. A tear falls unto the word “loss” in her profile. Jackie wipes it across the paper and hands it back to Ms. Marge. Ms. Marge: (Kind Voice) Jackie, we’re doing the best we can. We, I, want this to work for you and Nicole. I don’t want her to lose you as much as I don’t want you to lose her. Ms. Marge reaches across her desk to a tissue box pulls out two tissues and hands them to Jackie. Ms. Marge: Jackie, I think it is a great that you have never had a dirty urine. Jackie: (Bitter Tone) I’m not my mother. Ms. Marge: What do you mean? Jackie: I hear so many say they’re never gonna do drugs, but they’re doing it now. (Determined Voice) Never say never? But I say never. Mom didn’t set a good example for me, but I’m gonna set a good example for Nicole. Ms. Marge: You are a positive, healthy force in Nicole’s life. She does so well because of you. I just wish you would show that side of yourself to others. Ms. Marge stands and moves back behind her desk sits down and looks at her desk calendar. Ms. Marge: (Business – Like Voice) Your appointment with the photographer is today. He will be at Lydia’s at 3:45 pm sharp. Don’t be late. (Pause) (Softer, Encouraging Voice) In fact be early and be ready to show the world the same Jackie that Nicole sees. Please. Jackie leaves the office, walks down the hall and enters the bathroom. Facing the mirror she wipes away her tears and practices her smile. |
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