[Jayni]

We have the oldest two of a sibling group of four. We were licensed for three, and thankfully so, cuz they wanted us to take all four, and I am so glad we didn't cuz the two are plenty!!

Anyway, there 15 month plan will be up in March. This case is moving along very slowly. We haven't even made it to the hearing where the kids become official wards of the state-forgive me, I am new at this. Anyway, bio mom has an IQ of 77, was doing meth but has tested clean (swab) since June. She is in a 30 day drug treatment program. Step dad is still testing positive on the hair samples, but she can never catch him when she sends him for surprise UA's..why is beyond me--anybody know a good P.I.?? ha They have trouble paying bills, we are paying for everything he can think of, are living in a ONE ROOM apartment right now, where the visits are being held mind you...with four kids and a FSW. Filthy floors, so their white socks come home black, yeah, im sure this is nothing new. Anyway, we would love to adopt these two. I have a state patrolman friend who thinks we will get to adopt them-based on "his experience with pulling kids out of homes and seeing which ones do go back and which ones don't) but the SW is still saying reunification all the way-it's gonna happen. Just want to hear some other NE foster parents with similar situations or ones they have heard of, and would like your opinion on whether we should be getting our hopes up. The bio mom lost two kids in 2000 tpr and they were adopted. The bio dad wants to sign tpr papers, but the sw won't let him yet-she wants to make sure nothing happens to bio dad yet-he has heart probs too-before he signs the papers. Otherwise, bio mom won't get child support. The whole $50 he pays a month for the two-which he is behind on I might add...anyway...I'm done ranting...please anybody in NE out there...what are our odds in your opinion or past experience??!! We keep telling ourselves that stater is giving us false hope to protect ourselves..

[momofmykids]

Originally Posted by Jayni

we are paying for everything he can think of

Okay, I'm guessing these children are in state custody??? Why are YOU paying for anything??? Am I reading your post correctly? Please elaborate!

[waiting home]

I'm a little confused also. Please tell us more so we can offer some appropriate advice.

[Jayni]

Sorry--yes I guess I got ranting-I guess it is a little bit hard to follow--when I said "WE" I meant the state as in we, as taxpayers.

Yes, they are in HHS custody, and trying to get to the hearing where they become official wards of the state-the name of that hearing starts with a "D".

I guess I am basically just looking for support and other NE foster opinions. As you might of guessed, we REALLY want to adopt these guys; and we know we should not even be thinking other than reunification to protect our hearts.

Hopefully that is better-ask me again if I'm still being hard to follow!!!

[newkid]

I am not from NE but things seem to be pretty much the same everywhere. The 15 month thing is a joke. Try not to get your heart set on keeping the kids, it could go on for another year or so and the parents CAN get them back. Just love the kids for the time they are in your life.

[Jayni]

Thank you--it was good to hear that--I will definately try not to get my hopes up. I don't know why they even bother setting that whole 15 month think-I've heard that too, that its a joke. Even our case worker said it's really 15-24 months that they have to get their act together. It just doesnt make any sense when they know as well as we do that these 30 day programs just aren't enough for meth addicts. They need to be in patients in a die hard environment.