In December, Patricia asked me to attend a meeting about the children’s long-term permanency plan.

The agency had been reviewing relatives, legal considerations, and services required before any permanent adoption could be considered.

The children’s loss was recent, and every step had to be documented properly.

I dressed carefully, as though a clean shirt could make the questions less difficult.

Victoria joined by phone.

The room held Patricia, a supervisor named Helen, and the children’s appointed representative.

‘We need to make sure you’re realistic,’ Helen said.