[ltwt]

i do not know much about the foster system. i have a friend that had a foster child for 2 and half years. (since she was 6 months old) she was hoping to adopt her. this week the judge gave the grandmother complete custody and told my friend that she would have no more contact with the child. the grandmother had weekend visits for about a year. the little girl did not like going there and would come home with bruises from and older child in the home. my friend and her husband were the only parents this child has known. the grandmother took the child and told my friend that the child would not even miss her. my friend had signed a paper that told her that she could only adopt if no family member came forward in 3 years. we live in virginia. the judge said she had no case. i don't understand. it doesn't seem to be in the best interest of the child to let them bond and then remove them from the only real home they have known. is there any thing my friend can do? they love that little girl. to make matters worse, the day they had to give her up was her birthday. she had everything ready but wasn't allowed to have the party for the little girl. the little girls parents are in jail. any help will be greatly appreciated.

[JPDakota]

I am not an expert on Virgina law. I can tell you, though, that most states put a huge emphasis on family adoption. In cases like this, that's unfortunate, because the child is already bonded and has a life "outside" the family. Having said that, I would onsider it highly unusual if your friend has any standing at all. That is the risk in fostering to adopt. I am truly sorry for your friend and her family.
I wish you and your friend peace in this holiday season.