Quote:
Originally posted by JuliannaTeresa
Family law, for California says. Until or unless Dad's Rights are terminated. both or either Dad and Dad's Family Members have a voice in the matter. If he is following his Reunification plan he will more than likely have the kids returned to him!
Professionally, it also sounds to me like Parenting classes were not ordered for Dad as a component of Reunification? Why?
99.44 % sure of this. Dad will bring either his Parents or a Sibling into the picture as a Support System in the eyes of the Court!
To hire an Attorney, at least one or both children would be asked by the Judge in Court to decide between you or Daddy! As Foster Parents, you are going to have to decide if you want to put them through this?
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Julianna,
Thanks for your reply. Here is more information:
Parenting classes were ordered for Dad. One hour, every other week. He also has one four-hour visit every Sunday (his schedule and current living contidions prohibit more frequent or longer visits)
Dad's rights have not been terminated, nor have mom's. Mom's reunification services were terminated at her request. Dad's family all live out of state. He has no local support system. My main question is who's wishes will the court give more weight based on the law, mom or dad.
The girls are 19 months and 3 years old. You are correct, we would not put them through the pain of making a choice. We signed up as concurrent foster parents with the full understanding that reunification was the goal. If the court orders reunification, we will do everything possible to make the transition as easy as possible for the girls. We do all we can to make the visits a pleasant experience and we always treat the father with respect. We try to always remember that we're the big people and it's our responsibility to make this difficult situation as easy for the children as possible.
Thanks for your time and opinion.