[Ellie-Mae]

We wanted to adopt a sibling group. People who have done the same recommended that we use our local county for MAPP class and adopt children who are in the foster care system.

So that is what we have been doing.

We found two children (brother and sister) in another state who would fit perfectly in our family.

Our county has bucked us all the way. Making up policies that didn't exsist and then changing their stories when we showed that we knew better. they are even keeping our Aunt's (who lives with us) fingerprints instead of sending them in like they said that they would.

When it finally looked like we were finally within days of getting the children, they sent in a recommendation that we not have any children to come to live with us. When we got the recommendation, it was filled with lies and exaggerations, some of which they KNOW we can prove otherwise.

We had to retain a lawyer and set up a fair treatment hearing because they won't budge. I don't get it. they don't have anything real on us. Can they really keep these children from having a loving family that really wants them based on lies?? Can this really happen?

I go through bouts where I feel like my heart is being ripped out. My other kids are also worried that the kids aren't coming. I am trying to not cause them to worry while trying to deal with this myself.

My husband is great, and is handling most of the technical stuff. We are doing the best that we can, but we feel like we are going through this blind. We have felt like we have been feeling our way through throughout this whole process, and I feel like we might have fallen into a pit.

I am sorry for such a long sob story, but there is a book of stuff that I can write on about what has been happening.

Has anyone else been through this? Has anyone else been to a fair treatment hearing?

BTW: none of their complaints against us have anything to do with our ability to be good parents except that they are saying that I neglected my daughter's speech delay which I (and them) have the paperwork to prove otherwise.

We could really use encouragement if there is any to be had and prayers are always welcome.

Thank you.