I so remember reading an article/commentary that explained how foster kids are actually the ones who are punished. The "parents" do something wrong or against the law, e.g. hurt the kids or commit a legal offense that lands them in jail. The "adult" goes to court and is ruled guilty or innocent. Guitly means go to jail for "x" amount of time. Innocent means get out and wait for your child to be returned...or not.
The kids - no such luck. Picked up by Child Services, placed in overnight or short term placement. Ripped away from friends, family, and neighbors. Placed with a temporary/emergency foster family, caring people - but not home. Then, placed in 1-2-3 or more foster homes while the "parent" goes through the legal processes.
These kids are punished for something the bio parent(s) did. The outcome for these kids is harsher than punishments given to kids who break the law. Kid 3 doors down, brought a gun to school and was caught. He is in juvie lock up, parents and brothers visit him regularly. The girl who's dad violated her? She has been in 4 separate placements and schools since this happened. Does "mom" visit? No, she blames the girl for getting "Daddy" in trouble.
My youngest cousin works at a "boarding school" run by the Dept of Family Services. All of the residents are kids taken from their familes because of issues the adults had that impacted the kids. They live in group/family environments. They attend school there, but when they reach the age of 18 they are "out of the system". The most recent SoCal firestorm burned much of the property and builidings, but now this school can rebuild with a bigger goal. They now have apartments for the 18+ "grads", these young people can now transition into adulthood on the same campus, much like my own 18+ year olds are allowed to do in my home.
Writer - good for you that you are there for this girl. It may get hard, and your effort may succeed or fail for her, but you are giving her a chance that she obviously needs.
Thank you