[gregorysparents]

V8Momma,

I am going to start by saying that I tried to read this proposed law and I just couldn't make "heads or tails out of it" this morning. So.....I am going to take you for your word and trust (until I can read it myself) that your impression of this proposed law is accurate.

Having said the above - I think it's a GREAT proposal. Why do we want ONE person - a Judge - to keep making decisions that deal with the lives of children? Wouldn't it be better to have a Judge make his rulings based on info. from the recommendations that the DCS has provided him/her?

In most cases, when the DCS makes a recommendation to the court - it's because of the following: they have spoken with some or all of the following - birth parents, foster parents, CASA or GAL, family members, other professionals and etc. Furthermore, in most cases these recommendations are ran past a "team" that consists of other caseworkers in their office, a supervisor and maybe the DCS director of their county. These caseworkers are trained in what to look for. They see these children and families in their own homes - the Judge doesn't.

When a Judge makes a decision that goes against the recommendations of the DCS - what gives him/her the right? What gives them the right to play God? I mean, they don't see the children in their homes (birth parents homes and foster homes), they don't interview family members and other professionals that are involved in these cases. And, they shouldn't have to. This is why we have the DCS.

In our case - EVERY and I mean EVERY recommendation that has been given to the courts have said, "DO NOT RETURN THE CHILD TO THE BIRTH PARENTS." This includes: DCS, CASA and two to three Psychiatrists. But what happened - the Judge went against every recommendation and is returning Gregory to his birth parents.

So.....there are at least two sides to every situation. I just think that instead of having one person - a Judge - make a decision that involves a child's life, why not require that the Judge use the recommendations that are presented to him/her?

Thanks so much for making me aware that this proposed law is even out there. I will try to find more info. on it - but as of this time - I am in favor of passing this law!!!

Christina