Today is my foster daughters 6 month court review. I received a phone call from her (then) social worker a couple weeks ago and she gave me some great news. They were going to terminate parental rights. She warned me it was going to be a fight because the parents would contest the decision. But at least things were moving forward. I was on cloud nine. I even started thinking of new names. Emma and Sophia topped the list.
Then last Monday my bubble burst. I felt like Ed McMahon came back from the dead, handed me a big billion dollar check, then came back a week later and told me "Sorry we made a mistake. We need that check back. You actually owe us". The reunification supervisor left me a voicemail to call her back right away. I knew it couldn't be good news. And it wasn't. One of the first social workers had dropped the ball. Part of the case plan was therapy for the parents. When the supervisor contacted Behavioral Health to get information for the court report she was told that they were never signed up. They could be put on the waiting list and when a therapist become available they could be offered services.
Even though the parents have not completed any of the other parts of the case plan the social worker can not terminate parental rights unless they have at least been offered all the services.
The way the court system works is there is a decision making court date every 6 months. So even if the parents were offered therapy tomorrow and they declined the services nothing could be done about it for 6 months.
To say I'm frustrated is an understatement. She turned 8 months yesterday. I have had her for 7 months in my home. By the time the next court date comes around she will have already celebrated her first birthday, she would have probably taken her first steps, probably saying momma, probably... There are just so many. And her permanency will still be up in the air.
So for now Emma or Sophia or whoever she will be is in limbo with the rest of my family. But when I hold her and she smiles at me I realize I wouldn't give up a single moment with her. I love her so much
Keep your head up! My brother and sister in law went through the EXACT same thing with their two foster siblings... (Who are now adopted!). Sometimes these set backs happen. I hope that everything works out for you!!
ReplyDeleteFigures. A red tape screw up. Ack! What a horrible system! It's going to be a long 6 months and a lot can happen between now and then, especially with the parents. Hopefully it will all work out and you'll be back up on cloud 9 again.
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