IN MEMORY OF DEBORA CRUTISON .
On October 4, 2014 DCS lost a strong Resource Parent Mrs. Debora Crutison due to a brain aneurysm at the age of 49. Mrs. Crutison was married to Maurice Crutison and the two were foster parents for over four and a half years fostering a total of 39 children. In an interview with his Resource Parent Support worker, Dwight Walker he shared some of his experiences.
RPS News FROM THE DESK OF MIKE NASON Inside This Issue:
In Memory of Debora Crutison
1
Packed in Love
2
Anniversary Re-Assessments
2
Upcoming Training
3
ACT Prep Workshop
4
Board Payment Call In Dates
4
According to Mr. Crutison, what went from being a lengthy home study quickly moved to an Expedited Home approval 4 years ago. Mrs. Crutison received a call from her sister, stating that if Mr. & Mrs. Crutison did not take her children that the children would be relinquished to Juvenile Court. The family request for assistance came without warning, and the Crutison’s agreed to accept them into their home. Stories were shared how they (Maurice and Debora) worked together meeting the needs of infants and toddlers during their late night arrivals for placement and stages of bonding – some of the kids would initially be uncomfortable with Mr. Crutison, but Mrs. Crutison would give instructions on how to calm a child or she would hug them and love them in such a way they would soon calm down and become comfortable. Mr. Crutison admitted that initially, he had no intentions of providing care for older children, but later recognized thru encouragement from his wife, that those children needed similar attention as younger kids. Mr. Crutison stated the he discovered that the older children, though guarded, had common issues. Issues such as a lack of trust towards adults had to be overcome over time through sincerity as the Crutison’s established a relationship with the children in their home. A boy who was a high flight risk boy and a sexually active girl were placed on different occasions in the home and both exhibited similar behaviors soon after their placement. After being in the Crutison’s home a day or two with light conversation, non-judgmental attitudes, and large breakfasts and dinners served by Mrs. Crutison, the kids relaxed and felt part of the family. Mr. Crutison added that each child had to go to church with them and they all sat together as a family. Mr. Crutison credited his wife with the natural gift of love for accepting many placements of various children into their home, as well as going to Lebonheur Hospital (sitter services) to assist with ill or injured custody children. Mr. Crutison added that the outpouring of love by Mrs. Crutison contributed to their success.
Maurice Crutison closed with this message to Resource Parent on behalf of his wife Debora Crutison, “Every child deserves a home and children know unconditional love. Mrs. Crutison exhibited that special love.” Shelby Resource Parent Support Staff acknowledges the services rendered by this wonderful person. October 2014
Vol. 1, Issue 5