[sundara]

Just an FYI to those who may have been discouraged in the past about getting protection from Bparents - here is my story:

We adopted 4 kids 5 years ago from Foster Care. We were told parents have no right to ever see the kids due to TPR, and we can have them arrested if they showup at our home.

Fast-forward to now - one kid has moved out, younger 3 are still home. We find out that BD is planning to be in the area & told people he will visit our kids "no matter what it takes". Younger 2 have RAD/PTSD and just seeing BD would cause further strain on the already tenuous bond we have with them. (Older one still at home knows about BD's statement and is terrified).

Local Police say they cannot arrest 1st time he shows up - they can only warn him & arrest if shows up a 2nd time. They suggest a protection order but at same time say they doubt I can get it since he did not threaten to harm them.

Clerk of court also stated she did not think we could get any prot order at all, but she "let" us try anyway but was very discouraging. A lawyer friend said the same thing - no threat is involved, tough to get it.

Just want to let you know we DID get not only emergency protection order, but also permanent protection order good for 2 years.

To do this, hired the lawyer, and provided statement from EVERY social worker for the kids. Our older at-home child also came to court (but never had to appear) and filled out paperwork giving a list of the worst of the abuse she had suffered from him.

Not only did we get the order, but Judge ordered weapons check as part of the order - since BD is a prior felon, if he is found to have any, he can go back to jail.

Just wanted to share this in case anyone else has been discouraged from doing this.

[Dmommab]

So glad that in some circumstances the "system" does work. Hope your children aren't too traumatized by this & certainly hope that he doesn't show up to try to "visit". GOOD LUCK!