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We've had 11 foster kids and been at several hearings. It's been our experience that at such a short time the judge won't ask you anything, but I don't know how it is everywhere. In our part of TX we show up simply because we either have to bring the kids or we want to know where it all stands.
In a permanancy MEETING that happens pre-hearing dh and I have always had input. At the HEARING we just sit in the courtroom. The case is called, the state lines up on one side the family on the other. The judge asks for pertinent details, assigns lawyers if anyone who is a party to the case--which you are probably not yet because you've not had the child for very long--assuming they can't afford the attorney. The state makes their recommendation and the judge decides where the kids will go next. It's been my experience that this early s/he will usually say "status quo" unless there are suitable relatives available. I've generally just been another observer in the courtroom.
And then there are the very unusual times when a judge just goes all maverick and decides whatever they want.
I know it's easy to fall in love with the kids we have. I think we're supposed to. But the first goal is always RU, second best is family. Tell the cw that you want to keep him if possible. That way it will be in his/her mind should the case go that way. Unless the judge directly asked me, I would definitely not bring it up in a permanency hearing.
And, by the way, the judge did directly ask me when my little boy went for a private audience with him. And I told him. We're about 9 1/2 months into our kids' case and the termination trial had already been set.
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